‘My Life Online’ that’s what life is all about in the current era of changing technology. . Sony echoes this sentiment. Announcing the soon to be launched ‘Mylo’ series, its first WiFi broadband communication and entertainment device, the Japanese electronics giant is all set to capitalize on the growth of wireless Internet access.

Targeting the youth, for whom instant messaging is the primary form of communication, the ‘Mylo’ is a palm sized device compatible with wireless networks in both colleges and home. The new mylo personal communicator is capable of operating in any open 802.11b wireless network. The series facilitates instant messaging, browse the Internet, listen to music, send emails and view photos in tandem.

Featuring a 2.4 inch colour LCD screen, the Mylo is pocketsized, slim and oblong-shaped with a slide out QWERTY keyboard for comfortable and quick thumb typing. Powered with a lithium-ion battery which offers up to 45 hours of nonstop music, around seven hours of chatting and web surfing and more than three hours of continuous Skype talk time, it comes with a microphone, stereo headphones, a USB cable and a neoprene case.

The mylo personal communicator is up and about in a matter of seconds and can scan for available wireless networks immediately. The "What's Up" screen serves as the hub, and indicates who's online. One can store up to nine online identities per person which gives one the choice of selecting the person one wishes to chat with.

Embedded with the most trendy and widely accepted instant messaging services like Skype, Yahoo! Messanger and Google Talk, the gadget does not require initial computer setup or a monthly setup contract.

Available in shinny black and subtle white, the Mylo is all set to hit the US market in early September at a price of about US$350.