If you prefer Walkman hardware instead of its app incarnation, Sony’s got a fleet of new models for you to consider. Headlining the new gadgets are the ZX1 and F880 series, which boast a 1GHz dual-core processor, 854 × 480 touch screen, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, an “S-Master HX” digital amp and high-res audio playback (192kHz/24bit) in AIFF, ALAC, FLAC and WAV. Since they both run full-fledged Android 4.1, the mobile players have access to Google Play and can run games and other apps. A silver ZX1 will hit Japanese shelves on December 7th with 128GB of storage in tow, and set audiophiles back the princely sum of 75,000 yen, or roughly $760. The F880 line will arrive in the manufacturer’s homeland in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options — each available in black, blue, pink or white — priced at 27,000, 30,000 and 40,000 yen (in the neighborhood of $273, $304 and $405), respectively.
Sony’s positioned the new S series Walkmans as its battery life-conscious option, as it squeezes out about 77 hours of music playback with a 320 × 240 LCD and up to 32GB of space. Endurance music listeners will be able to snag the device for as little 18,000 yen (approximately $182) come October 19th. Also available alongside the marathon-minded portables is the E line of players, which has just 4GB of storage and starts at 11,000 yen (around $111). The M series packs 16GB worth of tunes in a tube-like form factor, and it’ll be available December 7th 18,000 yen, or roughly $182. Finally, the Walkman parade is rounded out with an update to its waterproof in-ear Bluetooth headphones, doubling capacity to 8GB. When October 19th rolls around, the water-friendly cans will go for 15,000 yen (or around $152). There’s no word on when the barrage of new products will make it stateside, but you can dive into the source for more in the meantime.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Sony
Source:Sony (translated, 1), (2), (3), (4)