Sony debuts new Walkman

Combining cutting-edge style with unparalleled battery power, Sony today announced the latest addition to its popular family of WALKMAN digital music players. With quick-charge functionality giving three hours of battery life in just three minutes, Sony’s latest WALKMAN range offers one of the fastest battery recharges on the market. The WALKMAN range also boasts an unrivalled playback facility, with 28 hours playback when using the ATRAC3 format and a further 27 hours with MP3, based on Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

The new WALKMAN has built-in flash memory, with models ranging in capacity from 512MB to 1GB and 2GB. This series enhances the existing range of WALKMAN digital music players providing unsurpassed sound quality in an easy-to-use, stylish device.

The WALKMAN is compatible with most commonly used digital music formats like MP3, ATRAC and unsecured WMA files. It offers easy download capabilities by direct connection through the USB port. Each player comes with the latest SonicStage 3.4 software version for easy music management and transfer of listeners’ favourite tracks. The new WALKMAN range offers high-speed transfer capability via the direct USB plug, and thanks to Sony’s ATRAC compression technology, the player offers maximum storage of up to 90 CDs for the 2GB model, 45 CDs for the 1GB and 22 CDs for the 512MB at 48kbps. With the 1GB and 512MB players, an FM Tuner is also optionally available giving users a wide variety of audio options. The slimline WALKMAN builds on the design success of its predecessors by providing a compact polycarbonate “stick” in a range of vibrant colours (pink, blue, silver, violet, black, and lime green). The WALKMAN launches with a new range of stylish accessories including neck strap headphones, protective case, and an armband case for listeners on-the-go; all available from the end of this month across Europe.

Key product features include:

Ultra slim and compact body – measures just approx 79mm and weighs approx 25g

Rechargeable battery with stamina of 28 hours during continuous playback in ATRAC @ 132kbps at Super power save mode

Quick-charge feature: 3 hours battery life in just 3 minutes charging during continuous playback in ATRAC @ 132kbps at Super power save mode

Direct USB with high speed transfer

5-band Equalizer

Bright and clear 1 line dot matrix organic LED

ATRAC, MP3 and WMA (non DRM) compatible

FM Tuner with MHz range from 87.5 – 108.0 (optional on 1GB and 512MB players)

Attractive range of casing colours (pink, violet, blue, silver, black and lime green)

The WALKMAN will be available from the end of April 2006 across Europe.