Sony mylo Runs Linux

[Ed Hardy]

When Sony announced the mylo Personal Communicator last week, many were unhappy that nothing was said about ways to add additional applications to this upcoming device.

It is not yet absolutely certain that the mylo is a closed system, but the fact that Sony hasn't yet even raised the possibility of adding software to it isn't encouraging.

There is a bit of hope for those who want to expand the functionality of this device, as it has been revealed by that the mylo will run a version of Linux. 

Even if Sony doesn't want third-party software loaded onto this model, there are many developers around the word who make a hobby of modifying Linux-based devices to better meet users' needs. It's a fairly safe assumption that the same sort of thing will happen with the mylo.

Qtopia Inside

Since the announcement of the mylo, it has also been learned that Trolltech's Qtopia platform will provide its user interface. 

Qtopia was created for exactly this situation. It provides users of Linux-based devices a familiar way interact with their handheld or smartphone, including an application launcher, file management application, and more.

There is quite a bit of software available for the Qtopia platform, but, as mentioned earlier, it is not yet known whether the mylo will be able to take advantage of this.  

More About the Sony mylo

The mylo will be a slightly unusual model. Although it will be focused on communications, it not be able to access cellular-wireless networks. Instead, it will let users connect via Wi-Fi.

(view large image)

Sony's latest mobile device will come bundled with a couple of instant messaging applications but not email software. Instead, users will need to access their email through web-based services.

To make typing messages easier, the mylo will have a built-in miniature keyboard.

This device will come with software allowing people to make phone calls over Skype's VoIP service.

The mylo won't just offer communications functions, though. It will also allow users to listen to music or watch watch videos on its 2.4-inch, QVGA screen.

It will not, however, offer a suite of PIM applications, which would allow mylo owners to use it to keep track of their schedule, for example.

Sony expects this model to go on sale next month for $350.

More information on this device can be found on Sony's web site.

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Via LinuxDevices.com

 

[Antoine Wright]

That is an interesting choice on SOny's end, but not necessairly a bad one. I would expect that if mylo were to take off, that there would be an update that would "unlock" the ability to add programs to mylo.

At least this does bode well with a major manufacturer taking a chance on a device with Linux. For mobile Linux, this is probably even a good thing, even if no software can be uploaded and it is user friendly.

[Magellan]

This reminds me of Gamepark's GP2X game device running linux. It already has a version of Qtopia running on it as well as many other homebrew linux apps. It all depends on how tightly Sony locks it down, and judging from the PSP, they don't like homebrew.

[maclaren]

It all depends on how tightly Sony locks it down, and judging from the PSP, they don't like homebrew.

The Linux-based Linksys WRT54 wireless routers used to be locked down too. All it took was a security vulnerability in the web GUI, that allowed arbitrary commands to be run and the floodgates opened.

Hopefully the same thing will happen with this device, perhaps via the USB interface.

[pixelator]

Too expensive for this niche, especially considering there's a good chance they will regulate content. If so, then there probably will be no games, no PIM, nothing other than what it comes with.

The only thing really noteworthy here is SKYPE, and again, you're limited to hotspots and work/home. Currently, free broadband is not sufficiently widespread for this device to really be a mobile solution for anyone other than perhaps a college student or someone who spends all their time either at home or at an open WLAN office.

Strange, devices like this and the Nokia 770... Proclaiming to be mobile solutions when in reality they're very much tethering you to one specific location or the other.

Stick that sliding keyboard on next rev of the PSP and perhaps they'd improve their showing against Nintendo in the handheld game market....

[all74]

judging from the PSP, they don't like homebrew.

That is a bit of a different situation - Sony wants you to buy their games, not get free ones. I'm not sure but I'm guessing that they make very little on the PSP hardward - the $$'s in the games. This thing has to make money on it's own - I can't imagine sony banking on making revenue mainly from add-on apps. In this case, it's in their best interest to make sure that homebrew takes off for the mylo. Not that I'd get one anyway...

[minimalposter]

I agree with all of the above. It is an interesting device. The Gizmodo video (found on youtube with every thing as of late) peaked my interest. Still this device is just that, an interesting side note to me. Similar to the PSP, both apeal to the geeky nature but niether are very flexible or powerful enough to maintain that priceline. Still "neat" though

[shendrel]

Could anyone here let me know which processor platform (Intel Xscale, TI-OMAP, or some other) and is the media subsystem (the voice codecs – g.729, ILBC…etc) of all these guys running on in this device?

[pixelator]

Similar to the PSP, both apeal to the geeky nature but niether are very flexible or powerful enough to maintain that priceline.

The Mylo is definitely set at a premium price considering its likely a closed system and lacking wider range wireless options, but I think the PSP is more than powerful enough to maintain its priceline of $200. CNN and other sources have lately been suggesting that Sony is on the verge of dropping the PSP basic pack down to $150. That would be the first actual price drop for the PSP since inception (Sony debuted the $249.99 Value Pack in the US, but it took the cheaper basic pack almost a year to come from overseas).

Although certainly taking a back seat to Nintendo's recently IPOD-ized DS in sales and popularity lately, the PSP has enjoyed a lot of highly rated game titles this year, has sold quite well worldwide and looks to be building on its library over the next few months as well as adding PS3 compatibility, PS1 online emulated downloads, a GPS unit with multiple game support, 1.3MP camera add-on, Sony mail & PIM apps, etc.

There's also a rumor that a PSP revision is coming down the pipe, something like the reskinning the DS got, but adding up to 8GB of internal flash in addition to a slimming down. I'm holding out great hope for a keyboard, which would be the last huge aspect I think the thing really needs for it to be an effective gaming/all-in-one tool.

[tigerwolf]

What drives me nuts about both the Mylo and Nokia's 770 is their lack of PIM and Office software! They'd both be GREAT devices (at least potentially) if they'd include those-both already have all the hardware they need.

I need a new PDA, Palm's hardware is unreliable, Windows Mobile is unreliable...and I've got two interesting hardware platforms with no PIM software! GRR