Sony to Relaunch Walkman Brand This Autumn

[navsimpson]

This was on news.com today, from a media session where they were talking about Sony's consumer electronic plans. Sounds sorta' promising eh?

"Though Apple has eaten up most of the market for portable audio, Sony says it will relaunch the Walkman brand in the fall. Sony will tweak its home audio products so that there will be better interoperability between portable and home products. "It's not going to damage Apple's market share," Glasgow admitted, but he said Bluetooth capability will be featured heavily on the products."

http://news.com.com/Sony+plans+TV+line+for...0&subj=news

It is a bit disappointing that they're not going for the bigger picture here - i.e. not simply relaunching the Walkman brand, but tying it to the Playstation brand and, more importantly, re-launching a music service. Still, I'm optimistic. I wonder if it means sticking with the a800, s7x and e01x series and simply promoting them in a new marketing push; or if this means new hardware and new software. Given how notorious Sonicstage has become, I'm hopeful that it's the latter.

What do y'all think?

-Nav

Edited June 12, 2007 by navsimpson

[Ascariss]

this is good things, i think sony will abandon Sonicstage and atrac and go only with mp3 and even other codecs, basically free people from drm and since lots of new songs on itunes are drm free, they will work on the sony walkmans. the future is bright for sony.

[Zizone_]

Personally, I don't see a reason to drop ATRAC. Just supporting all kinds of formats available seems more plausible to me. Anyways, replacement with new and "good" software seems important. Also, tying all Sony products is a very nice thing, but they need to tie their software as well as hardwares. I hope they will do this like some of Sony's CEOs have been trying for awhile. Also, can we have Unicode software...?...

[maxthrusters]

Sony needs to get their software house in order. Not just for SonicStage mind you, but all of it.

At least with SonicStage we can get the latest version without buying a new Walkman. They should have a corporate software division that works to integrate everything. Right now some VAIO applications do integrate with each other (SonicStage/VAIO Zone/Image Converter/DVGate/Click To DVD/VAIO Media all have some degree of integration with each other), but one has to buy a VAIO to get this functionality, and a new VAIO to get updated versions.

I also think SonicStage without Windows Media Player integration is a huge mistake, especially given the release of Vista and the prevalent nature of Windows. Another mistake is the lack of full integration with Sony's own Playstation3.

Product relaunch sounds to me like empty marketing talk. Hasn't every walkman been a "relaunch" since 2000 or so?

[pata2001]

So, is this the 3rd/4th relaunch? I thought Sony "re-launched" their Walkmen lineup with the A3000/A1xx series, and those didn't go anywhere. Again, Sony just don't get it. There has never been a problem with the hardware, so relaunching it a gazillion times won't fix the problem. The key is software. Steve Jobs already said it at the D5 interview, yet Sony just never learn. I am glad that Sony seems to be pushing bluetooth though.

[rtn]

The re-re-re-re-launch of Walkmans!

I think i`ve seen this movie 2 or 3 times.

Hey Sony, read this and think:

-Say bye to Sonicstage (again, don`t forget the great failure of the fabulous "Connect" software)

-Add bluetooth for easy sharing

-Add capacity, of course

-Sony, you sell PS3`s, bravias, audio systems, why dont you integrate this systems with easy connection between them...?

-Sell you stuff at massive stores, like Best Buy`s. You have to search like an idiot to find a Sony in the U.S.

-Let selected third party makers to do some accesory.

We will keep waiting for you, but i`m getting a bit tired of false expectations

Anyway, i think i`ll ever buy Sony, but most of the people dont think like me.

[RobA]

Everyone wants them to drop sonicstage, but if they do that, how will we go about transfering ATRAC tracks to these new walkman? Unless they come out with new software that is ATRAC-compatible.

[Zizone_]

-Sony, you sell PS3`s, bravias, audio systems, why dont you integrate this systems with easy connection between them...?

That's what they are trying to do according to the above link.

[theblueraja]

New Walkman eh? Must be that 4gig HiMD minidisc line they've been holding back!

[navsimpson]

God, and here I was trying to be optimistic! You downers you...

Nah, I think you're all quite right - Sony did try and relaunch with the A3000 and Connect and this could very well be just 'more of the same', differently branded. I was just thinking that it might involve something more than just a marketing push - i.e. new jukebox software to go with new players (like the B100 perhaps? I mean, that would be the entry-level model and bigger/better ones would go with it).

As for ATRAC, something big-ish to keep in mind is that if they drop it, they also drop Connect.com . That could mean a whole new service with jukebox/storefront software or tighter integration with PSN. There's always the Windows Media Player 11 option, which is very good I think - but it doesn't support AAC properly, and I think that AAC should be the format of choice if DRM-free MP3s aren't an option. I think changes are afoot though - there have been creeping signs of movement in the world of Sony, so perhaps they're making baby-steps.

-Nav

Edited June 12, 2007 by navsimpson

[Ascariss]

where is the relaunch? globally? north america? or just US?

if sonicstage goes, so does atrac, it has little advantage over aac, and I do believe aac is gapless as well and has no licensing issues.

[ceres]

I can´t imagine it will be WMP. Too many reasons against it. Atrac ain´t a problem. Sony just could offer to re-dl the connect files in aac or issue a converter. they sure won´t shed a tear as far as transcoding losses are concerned. if i was them i´d be cautious with empty marketing talk this time.

[RobA]

I wonder if this "re-launch" will include a new HDD player. The NW-HD line was awesome, however the recent A1000/1200/3000 were horrible. I'd love to see something like a NW-HD6.

New Walkman eh? Must be that 4gig HiMD minidisc line they've been holding back!

TBR on ATRACLife? Wow never saw that coming! Haha

And if they released a 4GB MD unit I would probably get it, that would be so awesome, but we all know it would never happen.

Edited June 12, 2007 by Rob A

[pata2001]

where is the relaunch? globally? north america? or just US?

Or, it could be just Japan only, like the good old days.

[navsimpson]

This was on Gizmodo today:

"At a press breakfast today in NYC, Sony Electronics US President Stan Glasgow admitted that Sony's attempts to unseat Apple in the once Walkman-dominated personal audio category are pretty close to over. For many years, Sony repeated the slogan, "It's still early in the game." Today, acknowledging Apple's 80% market share in personal audio, Glasgow said, "I wouldn't say the game is over, but it's really late in the game."

Rick Clancy, head of Sony's US public relations, quickly reminded reporters that Sony would still innovate in this category, but when discussion turned to the Sony Connect service, Glasgow said that, looking to the future, it would be more focused on movies and books. (It is currently the content hub for Sony's E-Ink Reader.)"

Alright - I take back my optimism.

So, what then? Does this mean the game is over? Should we expect Sony to not release new software, and stick to smaller players like the B100?

-Nav

[markey]

This was on Gizmodo today:

"At a press breakfast today in NYC, Sony Electronics US President Stan Glasgow admitted that Sony's attempts to unseat Apple in the once Walkman-dominated personal audio category are pretty close to over. For many years, Sony repeated the slogan, "It's still early in the game." Today, acknowledging Apple's 80% market share in personal audio, Glasgow said, "I wouldn't say the game is over, but it's really late in the game."

Rick Clancy, head of Sony's US public relations, quickly reminded reporters that Sony would still innovate in this category, but when discussion turned to the Sony Connect service, Glasgow said that, looking to the future, it would be more focused on movies and books. (It is currently the content hub for Sony's E-Ink Reader.)"

Alright - I take back my optimism.

So, what then? Does this mean the game is over? Should we expect Sony to not release new software, and stick to smaller players like the B100?

-Nav

As long as they can deliver the same calibre of hardware ie. the NW-A8xx range, and increase the capacity as it becomes available ie 16 gig flash etc. I'll be happy.

[ceres]

This was on Gizmodo today:

"At a press breakfast today in NYC, Sony Electronics US President Stan Glasgow admitted that Sony's attempts to unseat Apple in the once Walkman-dominated personal audio category are pretty close to over. For many years, Sony repeated the slogan, "It's still early in the game." Today, acknowledging Apple's 80% market share in personal audio, Glasgow said, "I wouldn't say the game is over, but it's really late in the game."

Rick Clancy, head of Sony's US public relations, quickly reminded reporters that Sony would still innovate in this category, but when discussion turned to the Sony Connect service, Glasgow said that, looking to the future, it would be more focused on movies and books

I don´t know what this fellow is talking about as he hasn´t yet deemed times fit for a US Release of the A8. Sure, market situation is kinda desperate for all ipod competitors but at some time S has to step in with a convincing package. Although the A8 cannot change the bigger picture, it´s still better than most of the competing devices. Portable Audio is THE thing right now with massive usage in market relevant age cohorts. From what I have gathered S is selling quite decently these days and given the quality of their current output will definitely continue to do well in a certain market segment. It´s way too early or too late -depending on your perspective- for world dominance but the defeatism I deduce from the Sony US guy´s statements clearly doesn´t quite fit.

A either Japan hasn´t told him better.

B he knows better

Edited June 13, 2007 by ceres

[pata2001]

"I wouldn't say the game is over, but it's really late in the game."

Well, now we know why Sony USA sucks so much. I mean if this is how the president himself feels, then so much for Sony Electronics huh. Whose fault is it in the first place that now it's "really late in the game?" How could Sony USA compete if they didn't even release the products? I mean even Sony Canada already released the A80x and E-1x already. Sony really needs to fire all these stupid execs.

With Apple not releasing any new iPods, and iPhone not being out yet, early 2007 was the good time to churn out anything to compete with the iPods, considering people are thirsty for something new. Maybe this Glasgow guy actually works for Samsung/Apple or something.

[Zizone_]

This was on Gizmodo today:

"At a press breakfast today in NYC, Sony Electronics US President Stan Glasgow admitted that Sony's attempts to unseat Apple in the once Walkman-dominated personal audio category are pretty close to over. For many years, Sony repeated the slogan, "It's still early in the game." Today, acknowledging Apple's 80% market share in personal audio, Glasgow said, "I wouldn't say the game is over, but it's really late in the game."

Rick Clancy, head of Sony's US public relations, quickly reminded reporters that Sony would still innovate in this category, but when discussion turned to the Sony Connect service, Glasgow said that, looking to the future, it would be more focused on movies and books. (It is currently the content hub for Sony's E-Ink Reader.)"

Alright - I take back my optimism.

So, what then? Does this mean the game is over? Should we expect Sony to not release new software, and stick to smaller players like the B100?

-Nav

If the leader makes that kind of statement then how can the company strive? He may be happy with his own salary but surely he is not doing what he is paid to do. This is one of the reason why Sony USA lags behind by far compared to any other Sony divisions. Sony USA is just dead weight on all other divisions.

Apparently, the president is not doing good job. How come the execs in US do not step down if they are not doing good?!? Because, I see much more responsible execs in Japan where they take full responsibility for their work. Once again, those Sony USA execs should step down.

Edited June 13, 2007 by Zizone

[ceres]

If the leader makes that kind of statement then how can the company strive? He may be happy with his own salary but surely he is not doing what he is paid to do. This is one of the reason why Sony USA lags behind by far compared to any other Sony divisions. Sony USA is just dead weight on all other divisions.

Apparently, the president is not doing good job. How come the execs in US do not step down if they are not doing good?!? Because, I see much more responsible execs in Japan where they take full responsibility for their work. Once again, those Sony USA execs should step down.

most execs, especially in western societies, do not entertain profound interest or even more for the company or product they are responsible for. to the contrary, they act like robber barons. once they have laid waste to their former field they make use of their cobwebs and move on to the next station of their cv. no problem.

[AntiPod]

i just want better software, and atrac is ok to me...sony still has a chance..='|

[LuLu]

So, is this the 3rd/4th relaunch? I thought Sony "re-launched" their Walkmen lineup with the A3000/A1xx series, and those didn't go anywhere. Again, Sony just don't get it. There has never been a problem with the hardware, so relaunching it a gazillion times won't fix the problem. The key is software. Steve Jobs already said it at the D5 interview, yet Sony just never learn. I am glad that Sony seems to be pushing bluetooth though.

Sony is offering a lot of products with Bluetooth, including the adapter for the S700 and A800 series which allows you to use their Bluetooth compatible earphones or headphones. However, they have still bungled up the Bluetooth on the new bookshelf unit.

Last year I bought the CMT-U1BT bookshelf system that came with Bluetooth capability. What I and the sales guy who sold it to me didn't understand is that you can only send (not receive) audio to this device. So this meant I could play my Bluetooth capable Sony device (e.g. flash player or cell phone) through the speakers on the bookself unit.

But in order for me to listen to anything on this device with my Bluetooth headphones I had to buy an adapter, the HWSBTA2W Bluetooth® Transmitter/Receiver, for $100 CAD. Ok so fine they didn't have it together for their first generation Bluetooth capable bookshelf. Then they released the CMTDH5BT Bluetooth® Hi-Fi Micro System and same problem! At least now they explain this is the specs.

I don't think this is really supportive of Bluetooth when you have to pay extra to use it on your system.

LOG

[pata2001]

I don't think this is really supportive of Bluetooth when you have to pay extra to use it on your system.

Huh? So you want Sony to give you free stuff? Maybe you can ask that Glasgow guy why Sony doesn't sell stuff for free.

[LuLu]

Huh? So you want Sony to give you free stuff? Maybe you can ask that Glasgow guy why Sony doesn't sell stuff for free.

What I meant was they should make their components compatible with each other without you having to pay extra money for adapters. If they say a product has Bluetooth capabilities it should work (both transmitting and receiving)! When the bookshelf unit I bought was first released the $100 CAD adapter was free - for those who bought it in Europe.

Glasgow is the Sony Electronics US President. I'm in Canada.

LOG