Sony unveils new mylo handheld Web browser

Sony launched the mylo back in 2006 and we weren't really sure whether or not it'd take off. We still aren't. But we've seen the brand new version here at CES and it's stuffed full of features.

It's essentially a portable Web browser, but it comes equipped with IM clients for services such as Skype, Google Talk and AIM. You're also able to make Skype-to-Skype calls over Wi-Fi, and even take advantage of cheap Skype Out calls to landlines around the world.

It's got a large colour touch-screen, a slide-out Qwerty keyboard, built-in 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Adobe Flash video support for YouTube playback, 1.3-megapixel camera, RSS feed management, a Facebook app for live notifications of friend updates and various other tools for social networking bliss.

Inside is 1GB of internal memory, expandable to a maximum of 8GB with a Sony Memory Stick Duo. It'll play MP3, AAC, protected and unprotected WMA and ATRAC audio files, plus MPEG-4 video content that can be transfered on to the device from a USB connection to a PC. There's no mention of whether SonicStage is required, but we're guessing it is, sadly.

An internal lithium-ion battery will keep the mylo pumping music for about 20 hours, video for about six. How long it'll last when browsing the Web is unknown, but with Wi-Fi enabled we'd guess around four hours or so.

There's no mention of a specific UK release date, but it'll be out in the US later this month for $300 (£150). With portable Web browsing much more popular in 2008 as it was in 2006, and with products such as the iPhone, the iPod touch and the Archos 605 Wi-Fi making the general public more aware of how the Web can be enjoyed on-the-go, the new Sony mylo may stand more of a chance of success than it has done in previous years. We'll be watching closely. -Nate Lanxon