First Look: Sony's answer to the iPod Touch.
LAS VEGAS--Sony may be running out of letters, but they haven't run out of ideas.
Their latest creation, announced at CES 2012, is the Sony Walkman Z. You can think of it as Sony's answer to the
Apple iPod Touch. The device runs Android 2.3 on a relatively spacious 4.3 inch touch screen, set at an 800x 480
resolution.
Expected in the first half of 2012, the Walkman Z will come in just one color (black, with a purplish backing) and
three capacities: 8GB ($249 ), 16GB ($ 279), and 32GB ($329 ).
The Walkman Z is a fully-licensed Google product, and brings with it the entire Android experience, including
Android Market, Gmail, Maps, Books, and more. In addition to that, Sony adds their own services, such as Sony
Music Unlimited (a subscription music service), and as you might expect, a heavily customized music player.
Taking a look at the music player on its own, Sony includes a way to quickly create playlists based around your
mood (these are called SenseMe channels) , as well as a number of mesmerizing audio visualizers. More
importantly, though, Sony throws in every audio enhancement technology they have, short of including active
noise-cancellation. You're treated to their S-Master MX digital amplifier technology, Clear Bass, DSEE high
frequency restoration, VPT virtual surround, Clear Phase, and Clear Stereo. To really appreciate the nuances of
these enhancements, Sony aslo throws in a pair of their 13.5mm EX-HP in-ear headphones. They will make your
iPod earbuds quiver in shame.
A few other extras on the Walkman Z include an FM radio, Bluetooth audio, HDMI output, and DLNA streaming
media support.
How does it stack up to the Apple iPod Touch? Check back next week for a full review.
Rudz
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