Sony to launch new WS model soon

Sony has filed a new FCC application for the WS620 Walkman, the successor to the WS610.  Design wise the new WS will be similar to the cheaper WS410.  To differentiate the two models, the WS620 will ship with a remote (RMT-NWS10B) like the WS610.  Two models will be available, 4 GB (WS623) and 16GB (WS625), with both shipping with the Bluetooth remote.  Colour options might follow the WS410 for inspiration, black, ivory, blue and lime green or will have the same selection as the new A-Series (red, pink, yellow, green, black).  Support for Sony's SongPal application should also be available as with the previous model.  Pricing should be identical to the current model.  I would imagine a CES 2017 debut.

GSMArena Review of the MDR-1000X

GSM Arena has put up a short review of the new MDR-1000X headphones.  The 1000X are Sony's top of the line model with built in NC and Bluetooth.  There is support for Sony's LDAC and aptX, a format the new A-Series has stopped supporting but does offer LDAC in its place.  At $400 USD, I would venture to guess not many will buy this set and opt for something cheaper but owning a pair of BT headphones lacking NC, I feel highly consider upgrading to get NC, especially in this large size.

If anyone does pick up a pair, do post a quick review of how they sound and feel.

       

Firmware Update: NW-A35/NW-A36/NW-A37 - Version 1.01

Sony has released (10-11-2016) a new firmware update for the new A30 Walkman.  The following models are supported for the update:

• NW-A35 / NW-A35HN / NW-A36HN / NW-A37HN

 The following changes from version 1.00:

• Improves overall operation and stability

If you own the new A30 Walkman, please check before upgrading to determine if you need this upgrade.  To check you device firmware, follow these instructions:

1. Tap the [Options/Settings] icon, in the bottom right corner of the screen
2. Select the [Settings] menu
3. Scroll until the bottom and choose the [Unit Information] menu
   Confirm the Model number and firmware version

Sony Europe link Here

Sony Asia link Here

Sony Japan link Here

Sony NW-A35/A37 Walkman Shows up on Amazon

The new A-Series has shown up on Amazon finally.  But it is not directly from Amazon but from resellers, all are from Japan, so the model shipping will be the Japanese one.  Pricing is around $300 USD for the A35 and $530-560 USD for the A37, all 5 colours are available for both versions.  If anyone has decided to grab one from Amazon let me know if it is worth the cost.

In other news, the new A-Series has appeared on the Sony Europe Support website.  So either this is a mistake or perhaps the new A-Series will be launching in Europe later this year.  If nothing appears before Christmas then perhaps early 2017 after CES.

 

A35

A37

Sony NW-A36 Reviews from MusicPhotoLife and TechGoondu

These might be the first or at least one of the first reviews I have seen of the new A30.  There are 2 reviews, the first from TechGoondu and the second from MusicPhotoLife.  Both are from Singapore meaning the device should go on sale shortly there, November from what I can see. The MusicPhotoLife review is the longer and more detailed one and probably the better of the two.  The author mentionss upgrading from the A10/A20 might not be worth the money.  Of course this is subjective but from the differences between the A10/20 and A30. I may pull the trigger if it goes on sale here.

• touch screen operation 
• supports concurrent internal storage and micro SD storage access when plugged in to computer
• supports DSD file format, which is converted to PCM for playback
• 35mW power per channel means it can drive more demanding headphones
• able to operate music using the hardware buttons without turning on the display
• able to delete songs and folders
• able to manage M3U playlist (up to 999 tracks)
• music auto pauses when headphones is removed from the audio port
• dedicated Language Study screen

The most exciting differences are the 35mW power per channel, the ability to delete songs from the player directly and auto pause when the headphnes are removed.  Oddly enough I have used M3U files on my A15. Of course there are some features lacking from the A30:

• does not play video files
• does not open photo files, and no option to select wallpaper
• does not have option to transmit sound effect over Bluetooth
• does not support aptX audio codec
• songs cannot be analysed for SensMe channels on the A30 unit. It requires the songs to be analysed using Media Go software
• slightly shorter battery life, ranging from 22 hours (DSD + noise cancellation) to 45 hours (MP3)
• no auto power-off feature
• existing music files cannot enable dance/karaoke/language mode

The lack of power-off feature is a shame, it would have been good to see an option to set power off to 15s, 30s and 1 min or whatever.  Removing aptX support is not a suprise, since the codec is owned by Qualcomm and including would have meant Sony would need to pay a license fee for its use.  The same probably applies to video codecs, excluding their support probably removes any licensing fees and I feel a majority of people did not use the video option.  Finally removing photo support is unfortunate, especially no wallpaper support.  Perhaps photos and wallpapers will be updated in a future firmware update.  Links to the reviews below.

>> MusicPhotoLife Review <<

 >>TechGoondu Review <<