Sony's Response to Atrac and the devices

[romanom]

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Subject

What now?

Discussion Thread

Response (Steven) 09/10/2007 09:41 AM

Hello again,

Sony's decision to offer our customers more choice required we change our hardware and software to support an open platform. Unfortunately, existing ATRAC-based Walkman players cannot be upgraded to support this new platform.

For additional information specifically related to Sony Walkman Devices, please contact Sony Electronics Support via email at

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/emailform....pl?template=EN

or by phone at 800-222-7669.

Sincerely,

Steve

Customer Support Representative

Sony Connect

http://www.connect.com

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Customer 08/30/2007 09:52 AM

I have a NW-S203F that is barely 2 months old, since Connect is being closed down what can I do with my player?

Is there any intention of releasing some sort of firmware update so I can sync my player with another service?

DRM-free music is not readly available and FAQ is no help.

Message Acknowledgement 08/30/2007 09:52 AM

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[Guest Stuge]

I don't think they want to waste time on older models .

[aob9]

Hang on a second. A few days ago we were told that they WOULD be upgrading ATRAC based devices...ARE THEY GIVEN US FIRMWARE OR NOT?????????????????????????

[ceres]

Hang on a second. A few days ago we were told that they WOULD be upgrading ATRAC based devices...ARE THEY GIVEN US FIRMWARE OR NOT?????????????????????????

read:I have a NW-S203F ....

as far as I can tell updated will only be made available for A8 series walkman devices.

[aob9]

read:I have a NW-S203F ....

as far as I can tell updated will only be made available for A8 series walkman devices.

Sorry .......... missed that bit!!!!!!

[romanom]

I'm sorry is the NW-S203F unworthy of an update?

I bought the thing from a Sony Style store in late June, and it wasn't cheap as far as 1GB flash players go. If the player was out of date I would assume Sony would take it off the shelfs or at least make it cheap!

I for one am not a happy camper...and everytime I look at the numerous Sony products I have I just get steamed.

[matty84]

A lot of people seem disappointed there older players won't receive updates but surely only A800 users should really have ever expected such an update as a new model had basically been introduced which was effectively the same device with new firmware. Any calls for updates for any other players are dubious at best.

[markey]

I'm sorry is the NW-S203F unworthy of an update?

I bought the thing from a Sony Style store in late June, and it wasn't cheap as far as 1GB flash players go. If the player was out of date I would assume Sony would take it off the shelfs or at least make it cheap!

I for one am not a happy camper...and everytime I look at the numerous Sony products I have I just get steamed.

Your S203F isn't going to stop working all because Sony is ditching ATRAC and Sonicstage. You will still be able to use ATRAC and SS which you were obviously happy with when you bought the player

[bogon07]

I sympathise with Romanom, if the SonyStore had some sort of signage or warning that this player was being runnout it could have influenced his decision to purchase the S203.

Unfortunately Sony has a continuing history of orphaning or dumping its DAPs at regular intervals so I suppose it is really no surprise that they're now going to drop ATRAC. Which is really annoying considering the amount of time and effort invested in creating ATRAC music libraries.

[Heman]

I don't think they want to waste time on older models .

Second! I have learned it from Aiwa (under Sony). The supporting staff told me that product was sold as designed - it seems they don't care the market trend! No more a pace-setter.

I believe Atrac will be there ... because http://mora.jp (similar Connect) is still running

Edited September 11, 2007 by Heman