Sony to introduce new ZX770 headphones to replace 750s?

The design will be a bit different than the current 750s.  There will be 2 versions, one model with only bluetooth and the second model with bluetooth and Noise cancellation.

Here is the design from the PDF on the FCC, the swilling mechanism is now flush with the controls, which was not the case on the 750s.  I have no idea when these will debut, but the 750s where announced in March/April timeframe, so I feel these will be around the same time this year.  As with the previous model, NFC will be featured on both for easier connectivity to smartphones and walkmans.  The only question is, will these headphones have Hi-Res support or not?  This would mean either apt-X support or Sony's new proprietary LDAC.

Rest of photos from FCC after the break.

Is the Smart B-Trainer the future of the W-Series?

Shown as a concept at CES 2015, the device resembles a W-Series but with a more premium look.  Like the W-Series, it is waterproof but comes with a heart rate monitor, GPS radio and an accelerometer.  The B-Trainer does require a smartphone which syncs to the device to provide information like how far you have run, heart rate and calories burned.  As seen in the above video, the B-Trainer provides words of encouragement either to slow down, speed up or keep going.  There is no word from Sony when this will be available, but I would bet we will see this soon in stores, but whether it will replace the W270 or will come as a new model remains to be seen.  Pricing should be higher than the current WS-Series due to the addition of the additional tech.

Source: 1, 2, 3

Sony unveils the new ZX2 for on-the-move music lovers

Audiophile listening: Sony introduces Walkman® NW-ZX2 with High-Resolution Audio

• Superb Hi-Res sound from Walkman® with S-Master HX™ and DSEE HX™
• Upgraded signal path and power supply stages with premium components
• LDAC for high quality wireless listening via Bluetooth®
• Long 60hr[1] battery life and 128GB (expandable) capacity to store your Hi-Res music collection
• Luxurious design with body sculpted from solid aluminium

Sony’s legendary Walkman® family gains a new flagship that’s specially made for serious music lovers. The High-Resolution Walkman® NW-ZX2 puts the exquisite musical refinement of Hi-Res Audio right in your pocket – taking you beyond CD quality for an unparalleled listening experience while you’re out and about.

Converting analogue sound to digital formats like CD and MP3 can compromise the purity of the original signal. Hi-Res Audio retains far more detail during the analogue-to-digital conversion process, for a more authentic, emotionally involving musical experience.

The beautifully styled Walkman®NW-ZX2 is an accomplished performer, with a host of meticulous design refinements ensuring audio that captures every nuance of the artist’s original creativity.

I will post my thoughts about the ZX2 shortly, but I will just point this out, there are people who will spend this kind of money (>1000 USD) on a MP3 player but in reality it is just rehash of the ZX1 for the US market and other markets where the ZX1 never sold.

Rest of release after the break.

New ZX2 leaked by the Verge? (Update)

So this is the supposed ZX2 which I mentioned a while back.  Looks like micro-SD card support will also tag along from the new A-Series.  I am glad it retains the physical controls.  The device hit the FCC last year in November and is expected to debut at CES 2015.  Question is, will it first hit Japan or North America?  The FCC filing was using NW and now NWZ.

UPDATE

A teaser image, the text translates to see you next year, probably implying CES.  Also gadget2ch.blog.jp has an image up with a price in RMB and it is slightly mad, at 7299 RMB which I hope is an error since if the price is real then we are looking at over 1000 USD for a mp3 player.  The device will have a hump on the back like the ZX1 but it will not bad as obvious.  This can be seen in the image above.

Source

Sony CES 2015

Sony released their CES 2015 teaser in late December, but there was no point in posting it since it offered nothing new.  As for speculating what is in the video, I'll just say this, the first product could be 2 things, a really thin TV (OLED or LCD) or a large tablet running android.  Here is the video to the press conference which will take place on January 5th, 5 pm Local time (PST)

January 6th, 8 PM EST (New York)
January 6th, 2 AM CET (Paris), 1 hour earlier for London
January 6th, 10 AM (Tokyo)
January 6th, 12 PM (Sydney)

Link for the Sony CES 2015 Press Conference

Here is what to expect so far:

• Sony ZX2 Walkman (partly leaked already)
• New XBA headphones hopefully

Personally not sure what I would like to see, definitely a new camera/phone concept with a larger sensor, something similar to what Panasonic showed but thinner.   A windows tablet would be great but with VAIO sold, do not believe we will see any Xperia running windows anytime soon.

Here is to hoping Sony still has some surprises for us at the show this year.