Sony has four new Walkmans announced, two of which are equipped with bluetooth to stream audio to wireless headsets or other devices. The new model has a 2.8″touchscreen.
The operation of the new NWZ-A86x-Walkman-series mainly takes place via the 2,8″-lcd-touch-screen, as there is on the front no other controls. The A86x-series is available in 4-, 16-, 32 – and 64GB version, and has bluetooth support built in, so audio will be streamed to, for example, a wireless pair of headphones or audio equipment in the car. Can also photos via bluetooth exchanged with compatible smartphones.
Sony thinks the A86x-series mainly to audiophiles to be able to wear. The company has developed the series is equipped with various techniques to the audio to improve, including the redesigned S-Master MX digital amplifier technology, which according to Sony include noise and distortion, better able to suppress. Also, the portable media player also features Sony’s Clear Stereo, Clear Bass and DSEE technology.
The A86x-series is equipped with a karaokemodus, where it is possible to view the lyrics on the screen. The playback speed of audio may be adjusted. According to Sony, that may be useful for language courses. The A86x-series is equipped with an FM radio function.
The new NWZ-S76x-series is, as above, topserie, equipped with bluetooth support, but has no touch-sensitive screen. The S76x is also equipped with the same Clear Audio technology as the A86x-series, but Sony makes no mention of the S-Master MX in this Walkman series. The battery of the S76x-series would be good for fifty hours of listening, while the battery life for video is around ten hours.
The S76x-series is available in a 8 and 16GB version, while there is also a variant where there is a bluetooth in-ear headphones with model number NWZ-S763BT is included. With these headphones four hours of listening before the battery needs to be recharged. The S76x-series, like the A86x models, a karaokemodus and possibilities for language courses, but has also a recording feature.
In addition, Sony announced two Walkman media players. The NWZ-E46x series has similar specifications as the S76x-series, but no bluetooth support. The E46x series is available in a 4 and 8GB version. Also announced Sony’s new Walkman NWZ-W26x-series. This media player has, like its predecessors, flash storage in the headphones built in. This headphone is held in place by a band in the neck, the ears together. The W26x series is waterproof and wireless. The sports Walkman series is available in a 2 and a 4GB version, and in different colorways.
All of the above Walkman models from August are available. The A86x series has suggested retail prices between 160 and 350 euros, the S76x series is to get from 130 to 150 euro, while the two models in the E46x series 80 and 100 euros in costs. Sony only gives a price on the W26x-series, but it is not clear whether this is the 2 or 4GB version.