Helio mobile with MySpace integration

Apparently the Helio Kickflip mobile with MySpace integration doesn’t make it easy to moblog (that is, post photos from the mobile directly to one’s MySpace profile). It may seem like a small matter, but when one of the main aims of this deal must be to allow MySpace members to generate even more content for the site, whether they’re at their computer or out and about, it’s not so trifling. The same community and network that spreads all the cool features about MySpace and other products can just as easily - indeed, perhaps even more quickly - spread any negative reviews about affiliated products.

This reminds me with a chat I had recently with Skype’s Alistair Shrimpton - who will be speaking at our event next month - about the excellent Ipevo Free-1 Skype handset I bought in America recently. The USB handset integrates pretty seamlessly with Skype, despite the fact that it is not manufactured by Skype. This is thanks to how closely Skype works with those who create Skype-compatible products. The no-brainer reason behind this, as Alistair said to me, is because if the hardware isn’t good, customers will blame Skype in some way, large or small, whether they know it’s not made by Skype or not.

So if the Helio Kickflip disappoints customers on MySpace integration, the deal could be less a boon for MySpace than anticipated. And my mates at corporate intelligence firm Techdirt have already questioned the deal on a demographic and cost basis:

First, while it’s still talking about the MySpace connection, it appears that the integration is being played down a bit. This may make a lot of sense, as the MySpace generation seems to be more targeted at teens, and Helio claims to be going after a slightly (just slightly) older demographic. The issue that’s going to raise the most questions is the pricing—which looks high when starting at $85/month...It’s going to take quite a marketing job to convince people the fees are worth it—especially with a brand name no one is familiar with.