Sony Corp working on video Walkman

Unleashes five new Walkman models.

16 October 2006

In a bid to catch up with Apple Computer’s market leader iPod, Sony Corp is developing a video Walkman.

Sony’s iconic portable music player, Walkman, was made more than 25 years ago.

But after a dream run, Apple made inroads and even surpassed Sony with its iPod, which now holds more than 50 percent share in the digital media segmant.

Sony Senior Vice President Hiroshi Yoshioka admitted that the firm is pursuing the product, while unveiling upcoming Walkman models.

Video iPods were launched by Apple in 2005, October.

Sony’s bid is to double its share in the portable digital music segment. Sony’s current share is 10 percent in the global market and 20 per cent in Japan.

Sony also said it will launch three additions to its NetJuke range. These will enable users to download music to a hi-fi system, which could be saved on hard drives.

With Sony’s new Walkman series, users can listen to music uninterrupted till three hours by charging just three minutes.

If charged two hours this could extend to up to 50 hours.

Three models of Sony’s NW-S700F Walkman will have a range of four colours, with prices starting from $151.

Two NW-S600 Wlakman models will be available in three colours. Prices will start from $125.