The X-series of Walkman players from Sony has been in news for quite sometime. Japan and UK are the lucky markets to get their hands-on the top-of-the-line Walkman Video MP3 players. Now, Sony has announced the availability of the portable entertainment device, the X-series (NWZ-X1000 models) in the American market.
In these players, Sony integrates Wi-Fi support, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) touch screen, Digital Clear Audio technologies and content by Slacker Radio and YouTube. All these attributes ensure unrivaled audio and video experience.
“The new X-series leverages Sony’s engineering heritage and integrates the latest advances in OLED and other innovative technologies. We focused on enhancing audio and video playback to develop a device that allows consumers a deeper, more interactive way to enjoy content, as well as discover new content, for a truly unique entertainment experience,†stated Andrew Sivori, director of the audio products business at Sony Electronics.
Talking about the built-in Wi-Fi technology, the X-series Walkman devices offer direct connection to internet for users to browse through web pages, subscribe to podcasts and search for and play videos on YouTube, by no means of a PC. There is even a ‘Related Links’ function, wherein users can access it while playing favorite songs. They can hastily search complementary content via YouTube using metadata associated with the song.
Featuring a 3-inch OLED touchscreen display, the range promises to deliver an outstanding video performance with a brilliant color reproduction. Users are assured to experience an extremely high contrast and a rapid response rate for superior quality. The series of portable audio-cum-video devices employs a 180-degree viewing angle that makes sure of an amazing video playback and photo viewing capability. While watching movies, users even have the ability to scroll through each scene swiftly through the scene scroll feature.
Another highlight of the latest Walkman players is the incorporation of the digital noise canceling technology for premium audio experience. Users can listen to their songs without any disturbance from the background noises, thanks to the built-in digital noise canceling (DNC) software engine. Besides, it comes bundled with 13.5mm EX headphones with a small microphone that is compatible with the DNC filter to measure the intruding noise and prevent it. So, users need not worry while listening to music in flights, on the road or at home as this beautiful device series gives rest to your mind and soul by eliminating the ambient sound.
When there is a useful feature, then why not use it! Sony’s new range of Walkmans enables consumers to access content from multiple sources. Via a Wi-Fi support, they can take full advantage of many download stores, the FM tuner, personal collections and embedded services like Slacker Radio (to select up to three stations and hundreds of songs).
Users have the freedom to enjoy audio and video playback with the support for audio and video codecs to play protected Windows Media Video (WMV) files. It is compatible with other video codecs such as AVC Baseline (H.264) and MPEG-4. Apart from that, Content Transfer software is also available for users to simplify drag-and-drop interface while transferring non-DRM music, videos, podcasts and playlists from online music services such as iTunes to Walkman players.
Based on a hybrid interface, the X-series of Walkman MP3 players offer users the choice to operate with either a touch panel or a hard key system. They will also appreciate the battery’s longevity of up to 33 hours while music playback and up to 9 hours during video playback.
Currently available for pre-sales on the company’s online stores, the black-colored X-series of Walkman video MP3 players come in two different storage capacities. The 16GB version (NWZ-X1051) is priced at $299 (approx. Rs. 14,910), whereas the 32GB model (NWZ-X1061) costs $399 (approx. Rs. 19,900). Sony also stated that the two iterations are expected to roll out nationwide through Sony Style stores and select retailers by mid-June 2009.
