My Life Online Just Got Better

Web browsing and instant messaging have been implemented in mobile phone technology for several years, but software complications, hardware limitations, and connection surcharges have kept the number of people utilizing these advanced phone features relatively low. Sony hopes to capitalize on the obsessive need for constant connectivity by connecting Gen Yers to each other via their new portable media device, the Mylo. Standing for “My Life Online,” this ergonomic gadget will be available in September of this year, allowing users to connect wirelessly to any network in range and satisfy their social networking needs.

The gadget will feature a 2.4” LCD screen and a slide out keyboard, keeping the unit small but leaving its functionality unhindered. The Mylo will load quickly and supports instant messaging from several services including Yahoo and Google. It will also include an embedded Web browser and will support all forms of media sharing, such as music, pictures, games, and video. Sony is also partnering with Internet phone provider Skype to offer free Internet phone via built-in microphone and speakers. With optional Memory Stick compatibility, memory limitations become a thing of the past, and users can charge the device for up to 45 hours use before ever plugging it in again.

Mobile connectivity gadgets such as the Mylo, the T-Mobile Sidekick, or the Helio, have realized the demand by Generation Y consumers to remain connected to their social networks wherever they go. With wireless access becoming mainstream on college campuses and in commercial areas across the country, it is safe to assume that sales of these all-in-one media devices will continue to rise over the next few years.

Advertisers will be able to take advantage of these devices by customizing advertising content based on built-in GPS tracking. Content can be personalized based on user location, ushering in a multitude of opportunities for local businesses to create unique promotions to drive short-term results.

As Generation Y continues to embrace new technologies, such as the Sony Mylo, the ease of staying connected will induce even larger amounts of time devoted to online communities such as MySpace and Facebook. Marketers targeting Generation Y should utilize the viral capability of these social networking forums, providing interactive and innovative paid content to supplement the social networking popularity.

Click here to read more about the Sony Mylo.