Cybiko Inc. was a startup company founded by David Yang; the eponymous PDA was first test marketed in New York in April 2000[1][2] and rolled out nationwide in May 2000.

Cybiko development was initiated in 1998 by Russian entrepreneur David Yang, founder of ABBYY Software House.

The concept for the device emerged from social research conducted in six countries, which identified a need for digital communication among youth.

It included a QWERTY keyboard, a monochrome display, short-range radio messaging, and support for downloadable applications and games.

[9] Inventec, a Taiwanese manufacturer, was contracted for device production, while marketing was entrusted to Poznik & Kolker, an American firm known for their successful promotion of Furby toys.

[10] Although initially scheduled for September 1999, Cybiko's launch was delayed until early 2000 due to difficulties in casing production.

[9] Prior to Cybiko's official New York presentation, David Yang met with ICQ founder Yossi Vardi.

Vardi, impressed by the device, introduced Yang to America Online CEO Steve Case, which subsequently led to substantial investment in the project.

[9] The device launched in April with a trial run in select New York retailers, including FAO Schwarz, Virgin Megastore, and Software Etc/Babbage's,[11][12] before expanding nationwide in mid-May.

[12] Its features, such as short-range messaging, file sharing, and the ability to discover nearby users, quickly garnered popularity and media attention.

[9] Despite initial market success, the company encountered financial challenges exacerbated by the early 2000s dot-com crisis, which hindered new investment efforts.

The "casual" puzzle games Phat Cash and Tooty Fruity were also made, with the latter requiring the Cybiko to be held horizontally.

A first-person shooter engine was written, on which the game Lost in Labyrinth is built, similar in gameplay to Wolfenstein 3D.

The popular skateboarding game Blazing Boards is based on the racing engine which was later used as the basis for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater for cell phones, in a collaboration between Cybiko and THQ.

The game continues on switched-off devices, and in case of insufficient attention, Cy-B could "run away" to any other Cybiko within range.