IFA 2011: Sony displays Android-based Walkman

Sony showed off its Android-based Walkman at IFA in Berlin, this year. The Walkman has been a dying brand since the iPod gained popularity. Sony just hasn't been able to keep up in the portable audio space. This device, however, is a prototype that Sony designed to attack the Portable Media Player market dominated by the iPod. Of course, it lacks support for mobile networks.

A Walkman runs Android (Image courtesy: HacksDen.com)

This Walkman has a large 4.3-inch touchscreen display with a dedicated quick access button for music player controls. It runs Android 2.3 or Gingerbread out of the box. Sony is currently pushing this Android Walkman as the best portable music player in its collection. Its W.Music app helps manage the Walkman's audio, as well as it provides several methods to choose music. The built-in S-Master MX Technology makes adjustments for noise reduction, sound quality and music file compression easier.

Subscribers to Sony's cloud-based Music Unlimited song service will be able to use Wi-Fi to search for and browse through over 10 million songs. Users will also be able to see lyrics on screen. There is an HDMI port to facilitate HDTV mirroring. Sony has not said when this product will be released or how much it will be sold for.