Personal Audio

Sony Announces Android Powered Walkman NW-ZX1

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 10, 2013 | 27 comments

While Apple has long won and shifted its focus from MP3 player market, Sony continues to push what we think and expect from our portable music players. The new Sony Walkman NW-ZX1 is no exception. Powered by Android, the NW-ZX1 is best thought of as a competitor to the Apple iPod Touch. Like the iPod Touch, the Walkman runs a full OS at its core, Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean which allows the unit to be fluid and more importantly, have access to thousands of apps. But that’s where similarities end between the two units.

Sony by now has realized that there is no way that it will be able to compete with the dominance of iPod which continues holds nearly 80% of the MP3 market share. More importantly, for the same reason that Apple has shifted its focus, Sony knows that a majority of consumers carry their music on their smartphones so instead of trying to create an iPod Touch close, Sony chose to go in an entirely new direction with the Walkman NW-ZX1 and the 74,800 Yen (around $760) price should be an indicator. Don’t even bother thinking about what Sony has placed inside of this unit as the list will be far shorter if we talked about what’s not included.

Sony at IFA – New High-Resolution Walkman F886 Announced

by Jonathan Nolan | Sep 9, 2013 | 4 comments

You might question the need for a single device when smartphones are made to be capable music players. But the Walkman F886 is the latest Sony media player that wishes to provide the audio dream that typical smartphones just can’t provide. Audiophiles will want to look beyond a multi-tasking device like a smartphone and instead find a device that is dedicated to providing a personalised audio experience with accurate sound reproduction. Enter: Walkman F886, with high-resolution audio better than CD quality, Sony says.

Sony Announces HT-ST7 Soundbar With Bluetooth and NFC

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 8, 2013 | 0 comments

If the first thing that comes to your mind is cheap when thinking about a Soundbar solution for your home theater needs, then you’re not alone. Traditionally targeted at the budget conscious, the Soundbar is meant to simulate surround sound and give your media and TV experience much more depth without the hassle and cost of running cables all around your house for a proper surround sound setup. Sony who also offers lower end Soundbars is looking to change things up with the premium HT-ST7 Soundbar which offers an impressive 9 drivers powered by 7 independent amplifiers. Interested? Lets talk details.

Sony Updates its Walkman, Movies, and Album Apps for Android (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 7, 2013 | 3 comments

It’s only been a few days since Sony rolled out a new update for their Socialife app for Android and Windows 8 with a free new look and functionality and the company is already rolling out another series of updates. This time, exclusive to their Android fleet, Sony is updating their Walkman, Movies, and Album apps with better integration of your media that resides in the cloud. Lets talk details.

Sony Announces Two New E-series Walkman

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 12, 2013 | 0 comments

The MP3 player market race is heating up, if this was 2005. None the less, Sony feels like it’s time to update their Walkman line with two new E-series models. Choosing to keep things simple, the entry level E380 offers a 1.77-inch display which can be manipulated with the scroll wheel like button beneath it. While not a lot is new this time around, battery life has been greatly improved to 30 hours of continues music playback from the internal 8GB drive with no expandable memory option. Music should also sound better than ever due to its five-band EQ which provides technologies like Clear Bass and Clear Stereo. Despite a design difference, it should be noted that the E-series is designed to compete with the iPod Nano line and not the iPod Touch line which offers access to the App Store and is far more feature rich.

Sony X Headphones Unboxing (video)

by Sohrab Osati | May 31, 2013 | 2 comments

When it comes to headphones, there is no shortage of selection on the market. If you’ve had the chance to visit CES in the past two years, you probably walked away with the fact that every company under the sun makes some variation of the same headset. Some have skulls, some have butterflies, and some have hard core branding like Beats by Dre. While Sony has long been in the headphone business and makes a series of professional units, used in the entertainment industry, their consumer efforts have diminished over the past decade. To turn things around, Sony teamed up with Simon Cowell to make the Sony X Headphones (MDR-X05). Offered in various colors, these premium headphones are designed to be integrated with your iPhone and iPad with a built in mic and Siri control. After the jump, our video unboxing.

Sony Announces SRS-GC11IP Lightning (iOS) Alarm Clock

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 9, 2013 | 0 comments

While previous Sony CEO, Sir Howard Stringer didn’t believe that they should create components for competitors like the 8-megapixel camera in the iPhone 4 and 4S, new CEO Kaz Hirai understands that money is money. If Apple is willing to pay for those parts, then who better to contract with, seeing how each iPhone is a blockbuster. Accessories are no different in the world of iOS and Sony is looking to target that audience. Announced for Japan, the Sony SRS-GC11IP speaker dock (pictured above) offers an iOS jack, making it the perfect companion for the iPhone 5, iPod Touch, and iPad and iPad mini.

Sony Announces Walkman F800 with Android 4.0, We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 20, 2012 | 0 comments

Surprising almost everyone, Sony has announced the new Walkman F800 with Android 4.0 at its core. The latest PMP (personal music player) from Sony is here to replace the ailing Z series with an 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB option which provide 4.5 hours of video playback. Other goodies about the 3.5-inch multitouch units include a NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth which allows for connection to enabled speakers, headphones, hi-fi systems, and car stereos. Those looking for an alternative to the iPod Touch will also be happy about the inclusion of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich right from the box. Unlike other devices, which at their core run on Android but instead are modified to look and behave otherwise, the F800 series proudly uses the OS from Google and will allow for full access to Google Play for additional apps. Pricing on the 8GB remains hidden while the 16GB and 32GB can be yours for $269 and $299 when they become available this August.

Sony Announces New Magnetic Fluid iOS Dock, the CMT-V75BTiP and CMT-V50iP

by Sohrab Osati | May 4, 2012 | 2 comments

One of the advantages of the iOS ecosystem is the sheer number of accessories available for them. From docks, to cars, and home theater systems, manufactures want to appeal and appease users of iPhones, iPads, and iPods. With the tendency to spend more than other segments, say traditional PC showers, its no surprise that Sony wants to also cater to them. Enter Sony’s two new iOS dock for iPad/iPod/iPhone, the CMT-V50iP and the CMT-V75BTiP. Featuring traditional sleek Sony design, the two also offer a CD player and built-in DAB and DAB+ radio. The CMT-V75BTiP also offers Bluetooth for music streaming while the CMT-V50iP houses a USB input for direct plugin for music playback. While these seem like nice features and they are, what truly sets these two new units apart is Sony’s use of magnetic fluid instead of speaker dampers to push sound, resulting in a cleaner sound with less distortion. No price point has been announced for the pair. After the jump, the official press release and additional pictures.

Sony Ending Development of the Dash?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 24, 2012 | 15 comments

Say it aint so! A recent app developer for Sony’s Chumby OS based Dash was contacted by Sony who indicated that development would soon be ending for the tablet-like device. The Sony Dash was released nearly two years ago, long before the announcement and release of Sony’s true tablets. The device was meant to attract those who want a more 21st century device by their bed. The Sony Dash would have traditional features like an alarm but also had what we expect from modern devices, like an app store which gave the device access to Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix to name a few. Where your old alarm click might have accessed FM radio, the Dash instead had Pandora. In fact, we had a chance to review the device a few years back and had some great things to say about it. That’s why, though it’s not definitive, Sony’s response towards the app developer does not look promising for the future of the Dash.

Beginning February 29th, 2012, the Sony Dash developer website will close and no longer support development of new applications. This closure includes the Dash developer forum and Dash developer support, which will close on March 31st. Sony Dash applications will remain available. Thank you for your contributions and we encourage you to continue your development activity on Sony’s other platforms available at SonyDeveloper.com

Again, thank you very much,

Team Dash

In my opinion, the Sony Dash was always a very interesting device that was never properly supported or advertised (see a familiar theme here with other promising Sony devices?). Living in such a connected world, I do believe that there is a proper market for those would like to wake up to an alarm that play their Pandora station instead with your weather and tweaks on screen. Take the idea to the next level with integrated support with Sony tablets and smartphones and a potential injection of Android and you’ve got yourself a killer product. We’ll have more to report on this when/if Sony reveals any more information on the matter.

Sony Walkman Z Passes Through the FCC, Headed for Release?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 13, 2011 | 9 comments

Way back in September, Sony unveiled the Sony Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player, their version and take on the Apple iPod Touch. The device soon became the Sony Walkman Z which we learned is powered by Android and a bevy of impressive specs like 512MB of RAM, a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and a 4.3-inch LCD screen (480×800).

Since September, all has been quite from Sony on this iPod Touch competitor and we began to wonder the fait of this device. Now, we’ve learned that the Walkman Z has just passed through the FCC (where all devices carrying a wireless chip have to stop by). After passing its 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth radios tests, one would have to guess that such a device was submitted to the FCC so that Sony could prepare for a roll out at some point. However, seeing how the holiday season is coming to an end in little over two weeks, it’s safe to assume that you won’t be getting one for Christmas.

Previously, it was also revealed that Sony would be releasing the device in a 16, 32 and 64GB variations. Now, we know that Japan will instead be getting a 8, 16 and 32GB models while the US is currently left with only an 8GB version. Of course, all these things can change as we still don’t have a release date, let alone official confirmation of the device for US release.

Sony Unveils the Android Based Walkman Z PMP. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 13, 2011 | 3 comments

Only a mere two weeks ago did we discuss the idea of Sony turning their then prototype Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player into a full fledge Apple iPod Touch competitor. If our poll was any indication, a majority of you are ready for a proper competitor for the iPod Touch with Sony hardware and Android software. Now, Sony is making this idea a reality with the Walkman Z and they’ve got a whole suit of features that will make the most diehard fans of any device give the Sony Walkman Z a second look.

The Walkman Z series is housing some of the latest features and technology from the Android world. Behind the Android Gingerbread 2.3 OS lies 512MB of RAM, a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor and a 4.3-inch LCD screen (480×800). After the jump, you can find full specs, price, pictures, and an overview of the Sony Walkman Z.

Sony Walkman Line to Receive Free Music Unlimited

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2011 | 99 comments

For those of you who are looking to purchase a new Sony Walkman MP3 player this year, you’re in luck. Sony has just recently refreshed the A, S, and E series Walkman lineups, which are due out in September. After just having announced the killing of the Qriocity brand with the simpler title of Music Unlimited, Sony is looking to bring the service to the Walkman line in a big way. All three lineups are already compatible to stream music from ~~Qriocity~~ Music Unlimited, but Sony is looking to add on a free 180-day trial period for owners of the NWZ-A860, S760BT and E460. After that, owners can choose to either cancel their subscription or sign up for either the $3.99 or $9.99 monthly plan.

Discuss:

Do you already own a Sony Walkman player? If not, would such an offer sweeten the deal for you and make you want to jump aboard?

iPod Touch Gets Competition With an Android-Powered Sony Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2011 | 7 comments

During their IFA announcement, Sony unveiled an Android Gingerbread based 4-3-inchWalkman. The device is currently called the Sony Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player, though that will change once the product is ready for shipment. Much like the iPod Touch, which has access to the thousands of applications available in the Apple App Store, this Walkman will also have access to the Android Market, making it a device that does much more than just play music. Unlike the iPod Touch, an HDMI will also assist users, letting them play videos and games stored on the device on any HDMI-equipped TV. Like the AirPlay technology found in the iPod Touch, which allows you to stream your movies and music to any compatible AirPlay device, Sony has also incorporated a similar feature called Throw. The Throw feature allows the Walkman to find any local Bravia television and other compatible devices and stream directly to them with little to no setup required. No additional information like specs, pricing, or availability was announced as Sony made it clear that the product was still in the testing phase and not ready for a final build.

Discuss:

[Via Engadget]

Pandora Comes to Sony’s In-dash Receivers

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 11, 2011 | 202 comments

Pandora, rival of Sony’s Music Unlimited cloud streaming services is getting a boost today, from Sony. The two companies have announced that Pandora’s music streaming capabilities are coming to a handful of Sony in-dash receivers. The following models will be making the partnership:

DSX-S210X
DSX-S310BTX
CDX-GT660UP (SiriusXM-compatible)
CDX-GT565UP

According to Engadget, “DSX units connect to Pandora’s smartphone app via “an integrated Tune Tray,” while the CDX models employ a no-frills USB solution, making your suite of personalized music stations an on-road reality. Although all of the receivers offer integration with the iPhone, only the Bluetooth-enabled DSX-S310BTX links Android and BlackBerry users to Pandora’s streaming cloud.” No word yet if Sony is planning on adding Qriocty as a feature on their own devices but seeing how it is their own service, we hope that somebody else at corporate HQ thought of this as well. Hit the jump for a full PR release.