News
Sony Announces New Walkman W-ZX707 And NW-A306 Models
The Japanese tech giant has come a long way since its first cassette-based players of the late 1970s.
Sony has just unveiled two new Walkman-branded music players, the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306. Both devices offer premium sound and construction and are intended to lure smartphone users into the portable music market using a blend of modern technology and nostalgic branding.
The Tokyo-based company launched its first Walkman player in 1979, and in the process revolutionized the portable music market, selling up to 400 million devices worldwide.
Updating A Legend
To meet the expectations of a new generation of users, both Walkman models are supported by Android 12 and compatible with the latest Wi-Fi standards. Android 12 allows owners to download various music-playing apps from the Google Play Store, as well as enabling YouTube and Spotify users to stream their favorite playlists.
Although many smartphone users will dismiss the idea of a dedicated music-playing device, audiophiles will appreciate details such as the distortion-reducing S-Master HX digital amp, upgraded capacitors and AI-based digital upscaling.
As more and more smartphones ditch physical buttons and headphone ports, readers will be pleased to hear that both the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 feature proper controls, USB ports, headphone jacks, and MicroSD slots.
As for battery life, Sony says the NW-ZX707 will last up to 25 hours, while the NW-A306 offers 36 hours of playback, depending on the file type being used.
Pricing & Availability
The Walkman NW-A306 will start from $430, while the NW-ZX707 model will weigh in at a pricey $820. Both players will initially be available in Asian and European markets, and Sony expects both models to significantly boost the company’s profits.