Will History Repeat Itself with Sony’s Mylo 2?

There is no question that Sony’s Mylo 2 looks like a great device. Fantastic design, compact size, full slide-out keyboard, 1GB of internal memory and a great looking UI all support Flash Lite 3-enhanced web browsing and a small core offering of apps. Sony however, may have shot themselves in the foot as they introduce what can hardly be called the most capable device of its kind, to a market that has not seen remarkable success in any region. Sure internet tablets have their place in the gadget food chain, but they are hardly a necessity in this day and age as mobile phones continue to become more advanced. Just last week we saw that the N95 8GB already integrates Flash Lite 3 and can run web run time widgets and play FLV video in-line. The new Mylo will not support third-party applications which will also be a huge drawback for many. As such, devices like the Nokia N810 can sport a wide range of functionality above and beyond Sony’s offering thanks to a truly open OS. The N810 also has a bigger display and, for the time being, a much bigger price tag. Sony’s first Mylo was hardly a success but only time will tell if history is doomed to repeat itself. Perhaps some sheer marketing brilliance will give Sony’s new offering the push it needs to break shackles of micro-niche devices. Click through for an extensive hands-on review of the Mylo 2, which will start shipping later this month with a price tag of $299.

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