Sony Walkman gets Android platform

Sony, in an aside to its IFA unveilings, has demonstrated its first dedicated Walkman running Android. Known so far as the Mobile Entertainment Player, it goes beyond regular Walkman players or their phones by getting special music controls and an emphasis on high-quality sound output through S-Master MX processing. A W.Music app provides an optimized interface for songs, and using Android gives it ready access to Music Unlimited, Sony told CNET.

The player is intended for video as well with a large 4.3-inch screen using an uncommon 800x640 resolution and a glare-resistant LCD design. The Walkman is known to be fast, although its processor wasn't identified. No camera is visible, but it does have extras such as HDMI video out and the "throw" based DLNA media sharing Sony introduced today along with its Android tablets.

Sony intends for the MEP to be a real product and is working on an "early introduction," although when that would be wasn't said; the CES expo in January is more likely.

In the interim, Sony promised that some of its regular Walkman players, the E460, S760BT, and A860, would all be getting Music Unlimited as well. They will get it through an update in September and will start off with a long six-month trial to get listeners interested.

By Electronista Staff