Sony MDR-XB950 Headphones with NC & BT launch at CES 2017

Sony Expands the EXTRA BASS™ Headphones Series Powerful, Enhanced Bass Provides Music You Can Feel!

Sony Electronics announced today that it will further expand the EXTRA BASS headphones series designed to enhance the listening experience for today’s most popular music genres. The four additional members of the EXTRA BASS family are the MDR-XB950N1 wireless noise cancelling headphones, the MDR-XB950B1 wireless, the MDR-XB550AP which comes in a wide variety of colors, and the MDR-XB510AS water-resistant, in-ear sports headphones. This enhanced lineup enables users to enjoy the intensity of deep bass notes in a variety of locations and scenarios. Users can feel comfortable enjoying premium sound quality with bass booster no matter where they are.

The MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1 EXTRA BASS Wireless Headphones

The MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1 wireless headphones deliver powerful, enhanced bass response – the MDR-XB950N1 has added noise cancelling technology. Both support Bluetooth® audio streaming and simplified connectivity with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, making it easy to connect wirelessly. For the ultimate wireless audio streaming experience, aptX®& AAC codec support ensures maximum signal quality.

The MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1 listening experience can be controlled with a unique smartphone Sony | Headphones Connect app, which enables listeners to emulate different listening experiences: Arena, Club, Concert Hall, and Outdoor Stage. It is also possible to adjust the bass levels to suit your personal preference. For the MDR-XB950N1, this app can turn the noise cancelling settings on or off.

The MDR-XB950N1 headphones are easy to fold and come with a handy carrying pouch and the built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 22 hours of continuous, wireless music playback for the noise cancelling XB950N1. The XB950B1 provides up to 18 hours on a full charge. When your battery does run low, passive mode allows for continued listening with the supplied cable. With both the MDR-XB950N1 and MDR-XB950B1 users can enjoy the convenience of hands-free calling thanks to the integrated microphone and Bluetooth® profile connectivity. Once your phone is paired, simply press the phone button on the earpiece to accept incoming calls then press again to terminate the call. Music playback will automatically resume once the call is completed.

Sony Launches new WS620 Waterproof Sports Walkman

Sony has launched the new WS620 Waterproof Sports Walkman at CES 2017.  The new WS model features a similar design to the WS410 and depending on the region will ship in black, grayish white, blue and lime green.  Capacity will also vary depending on region, 4GB or 16GB (North America).

Waterproof even in salt water

The new WS features bluetooth and NFC for streaming audio from your smartphone. Like the previous model. the weight remains the same at 37g.  The device is rated for extreme weather conditions, -5°C to 45°C and features a durable and tough design.  The IPX5-rated splashproof remote control can be used in light rain or rinsed under the tap, and the IPX5/8-rated waterproof headset can be fully submerged in saltwater to a depth of 2m for 30min.  Both are IP6X-rated dustproof, so you can take your run or workout to the beach.

Ambient Sound mode

Like the updated WS410, the new WS620 features Ambient Sound mode. This mode uses the microphones built into the left and right side of the Walkman to allow you to hear the ambient sounds around you, even as you listen to music. So, you can listen to your fitness instructor or talk to your friends without missing a beat.

Battery life is rated for 12 hours and a quick 3 minute recharge provides up to 60 minutes of playback.

A built-in microphone for hands-free calls

You don’t have to pause your workout to take that important phone call. With a built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity, you can make and answer calls wirelessly from your smartphone.

Standard and waterproof earbuds for versatile listening

Get the best sound for your workout with a choice of standard or waterproof earbuds. Standard earbuds give you a comfortable fit and balanced sound. Hitting the pool? Switch to the waterproof earbuds; a thin film covers each earbud, preventing water damage within the Walkman and optimising sound levels for underwater listening.

Click on the photos for larger size

Sony Launches new A-Series for Europe and North America

Sony has finally decided to launch the new A-Series for the European Market and North America

Sony allows you to enjoy your music in style with the debut of the Walkman® NW-A35 series. With a focus on fashion and individuality, the new Walkman® NW-A35 has a vivid design that is easy to use, making it a perfect match for any lifestyle. Couple that with immaculate audio clarity thanks to the A35’s High-Resolution Audio[i], an intuitive user interface, and quality wireless playback, and you’ll always be at the heart of the music you love.

Great sound on the go

Conveniently portable, the new Walkman® NW-A35 is compact and weighs just 98g. Being Bluetooth® and NFC-enabled means you can connect wirelessly to your speakers or headphones – without the worry of getting tangled up in wires. It’s the perfect pair with the Sony MDR-100ABN Wireless NC Headphones.

The NW-A35 is also optimised with an extended battery of up to 45 hours (MP3) or 30 hours (Hi-Res Audio) from a single charge, so you can enjoy hours of music in style just about anywhere you go.

Don’t compromise the sound

The new Walkman NW-A35 offers breath-taking audio on the move with a combination of premium audio technologies to ensure incredible quality for all your tracks, including support for DSD formats. It is equipped with five POSCAP™ capacitors that strengthen the power supply for the S-Master HX™ digital amplifier, cutting distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies. Also, the NW-A35 has two clock oscillators that are switched to provide optimal modulation which increases the clarity of sound and improves the sense of stereo, so that you can hear every breath, every drumbeat and every note.

Unlimited space for your music library

The improved 3.1-inch touch-screen and intuitive user interface with side keys for convenient control, the Walkman® NW-A35 excels at usability. It is available in 16GB with built-in memory that is expandable with a microSD card to store large music libraries. The NW-A35HN comes with all the features above but also comes supplied with Hi-Res Audio Digital Noise Cancelling in-ear headphones for reduced ambient noise.

The new Walkman® NW-A35 will be available in Europe from February 2017 in five eye-catching colours: Viridian Blue, Cinnabar Red, Charcoal Black, Lime Yellow, and Bordeaux Pink.

Seems that EU will only get A35 with 16GB and 16GB with NC headphones.  Canada and the US will receive a 16GB model and a 64GB model with NC headphones.  No pricing yet.

Sony NW-WM1 and NW-ZX2 Service Manuals

Here are the links to the ZX2 and WM1 model manuals thanks to Robert and lebellium.

NW-WM1A/WM1Z Manual

NW-ZX2 Manual

Full list of Walkman Service Manuals

As always with any service manual I have posted on the blog, use it at your own risk and I am not responsible if you brick/damage your device. If anyone finds anything useful please post a comment.

CES 2017 (Update)

Happy New Years fellow Walkman fanatics.  As with previous years, January brings a new year and CES.  And with 3 days until the press conference, here is what we can look forward to.  Apart from the new WS Model and new headphones, Sony could debut the new A-Series for North America and perhaps maybe some new wireless speakers.  This may be all we get in the Walkman area, unless there are some surprises from Sony but it has been a while since Sony has had an exciting CES. 

Sony will be holding their press conference this year on January 4th at 5 pm PST.  Times for other regions are as follows: 8PM East coast US, 2:00 AM January 5th Paris local time, Tokyo is 10:00 local time, and January 5th at 12:00 in Australia (Melbourne).  

As for other Sony products?  I am guessing a smartphone or two, new TVs, and 4K Blu-ray players.  While it would be great for some awesome new revolutionary products or innovations from Sony, doubtful, like I wrote earlier, it has been some time since Sony had an exciting CES.

Update: I can confirm the new A-Series should be at CES, meaning that the A30 will receive a more global release this year.

The link for the stream is below:

Stream will start in around 30 minutes time.

http://www.ustream.tv/sony