Sony is showing off a prototype of its Android-powered Walkman prototype at the IFA show in Berlin, and CNET got the first look.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Sony's Android-powered Walkman brings many music-specific features. One of them is this W.Music app, shown here with a scattering of albums that will play when tapped. Swipe gestures bring new albums into view.
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Android-powered Sony Walkman's W.Button
The Android-powered Walkman prototype includes a W.Button that provides quick access to music controls, even if the phone is locked. A person using another app can get to the controls faster than through the regular route of hitting the phone's home button then launching a music app.
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Android-powered Sony Walkman dedicated music controls
One of the unique features of Sony's Android-powered Walkman is the W.Button, a button on the side of the device that lets people immediately access player controls. Music can be paused or restarted by tapping the center, and swipe gestures will move forward and backward through the music tracks.
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Android-powered Sony Walkman back
The back of the device is a deep purple and sports the "W." logo for Walkman products. But there's no camera.
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Android-powered Sony Walkman SenseMe technology
The W.Music app lets people select music by mood, with Sony's technology scanning songs to judge whether they're relaxing, energetic, extreme, suitable for mornings, or good for dancing.
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The prototype Android Walkman is connected to Music Unlimited, Sony's subscription for cloud-based music. The service has more than 10 million music tracks.
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Android-powered Sony Walkman's swooping back
The Android-powered Sony Walkman prototype has a swoopy back the company says provides better ergonomics for handheld use.
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Android-powered Walkman music visualizations
A feature unique to the Android-powered Walkman compared to other Walkman products is music visualizations.
