New Devices that "Get" Engagism

Sony is coming out with a new device (the "Mylo") for instant messaging and other Internet-based communications. Yes, I know, that doesn't sound particulalry new. However, what's interesting about this gadget is that it's not a cellphone and does not require a cellular subscription. You just carry it around with you and whenever you hit a wi-fi spot you can IM or browse the Internet. You could even conceivably check e-mail through your web-based interface. It meets the engagism criteria in a variety of important ways -- it's portable, multi-purposes and interactive. Plus, users aren't forced into a restrictive cellular plan, allowing them to make choices about where, when and how they want to use it.

I also think it demonstrates some of the characteristics that Chris Anderson is talking about in the Long Tail. There is definitely a niche market of users that don't want their cell phone to be all things -- or that want to have the option of a slightly larger and more keyboard friendly device for IM'ing and the Internet without the hassle of cell phone companies. By pulling out some of the key uses of a laptop and putting them into a separate, much less expensive device, Sony is responding to the needs of people in that part of the tail. It will be interesting to see if it pays off!

To learn more about how technology promotes engagism, check out chapter 2 of my thesis at http://www.engagism.com/2techescape.html