Sony to Launch NW-ZX500 Walkman as successor to ZX300
Apart from the upcoming newA-Series, Sony will alsobe launching their new ZX model to replace the ZX300. Very little information is present in the FCC documents, but they do provide some information.
Like the new NW-A100, the ZX500 features Wifi 2.4/5.0 Ghz, NFC and Bluetooth 5.0. Unlike the ZX300, this new ZX500 does have a model number, the NW-ZX507, which is interesting since it might indicate other model perhaps with less storage and others with higher storage. The ZX300 had 64GB plus microSD, so I guess either the same or 128GB with microSD. The design, judging by the FCC image, seems to be like the ZX300 but with a bigger screen and probably touch like the previous model. I would imagine physical controls will remain on the side, along with the addition of a microSD slot. In addition, it would be great to see Sony move to USB Type C on the new ZX500 but nothing specific is mentioned in the FCC documents about what type of cable is used.
The WiFi details (above) are identical to the NW-A100, so the WiFi/NFC/BT chips are probably the same. We might end up with 2 colours again black and silver, but this might be region specific again as well. Regardless, we are looking at an IFA 2019 reveal as well and it will not be cheap.
The device did appear on some parts website, which provides replacement parts and accessories for various devices. Unfortunately nothing is available on the site yet.
Update
It looks like we might have 2 different models, NW-ZX505 and NW-ZX507.
Please leave a comment if anyone has any further information details or contact me via the contact page or twitter. Exciting times ahead for the 40th Anniversary of the Walkman.
So, would it be safe to assume that current ZX300 owners (like myself) have no reason to update for sound quality alone? It seems like Sony launches this newer model mainly for those wanting to use Spotify. The ZX300 feels not dated, at all.
ReplyDeleteOnly reasons to update would be more for the addition of BT 5.0, and newer SoC which should bring better battery life, otherwise the wifi is not something I see as something essential for a MP3 player.
DeleteI am excited about these new Walkmen with Wi-Fi. Although I much prefer to play hi res files from my own library, I still find streaming useful for some situations. That's the reason why I never updated from ZX2 to WM1A. Keeping my fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it's going to include wireless....https://fccid.io/RC-SOK-NW-ZX507
ReplyDeleteYes, this is why I wrote "the ZX500 features Wifi 2.4/5.0 Ghz," same for the new upcoming A-Series, also has Wifi. :)
DeleteGiven the newer (but cheaper) NW-A55's sound quality is noticeably better than the ZX300, I expect Sony to bring that secret sauce (likely firmware level) to the ZX500 - so there might be purely "sound" related reasons to move to the ZX500.
ReplyDeleteI have the ZX100, and looked at the ZX300. I have 5 main issues with these... (1) It really puts me off that a special application is needed to transfer files to the player. The player really should show up as a disk on my PC and allow for simple drag and drop from Windows (or whatever). (2) It is frustrating that the memory (internal + micro SD card) is not a continuous memory -- if I make a playlist on one of the memory types, it can only use tracks from the same memory type. I.e., I cannot add tracks from the micro SD card and put in a playlist stored in internal memory, and vice versa... (3) The headphone output level is too low, so few high quality headphones work with them. I tested the ZX300 with MrSpeakers Æon... that worked ok, but still the level was low. Few good headphones work well with the ZX100. (4) Charging connector -- really frustrating with all these special connectors. (5) Since I have 500 GB+ of music, I need support for the new 1 TB micro SD cards...
ReplyDeleteIs it an Android operating system?
ReplyDeleteUnknown, depends how Sony intends to use the Wifi capability.
DeleteBasically,Sony has listened to those who supported the nw zx2 which sports a warm signature sound and the flexibility of Spotify, tidal through wifi. This will probably be a standalone non android but dedicated Spotify,tidal direct access.In that way,battery life can be longer.If Sony is accommodating.
ReplyDeleteIf it is non android, hopefully the apps will work bug free, sony doesn't have the best record for such things for their walkmans. Will be interesting how Sony integrates such apps into the players, this and the new A series.
DeleteAnxious to see what Sony has in stock with the new ZX500...I'm a ZX2 user and I'm considering updating to a new player. I love the ZX2 sound and I mostly listen to my own music files, but I definitely need streaming capabilities.
DeleteIt appears it works on android. So will it be possible to run tidal in it? Is it the first Walkman to do so?
ReplyDeleteI have a full post coming soon, just been a bit busy with things. Yes tidal should work, like spotify and any other streaming service with an app. Not the first android walkman.
DeleteDropping the possibility to stream music like Spotify after ZX2 was a big mistake since streaming is the new black. Maybe it was because Sony is involved in the music industry with Sony Music. However this seams no longer be a problem with the new devices. I need to upgrade my ZX1, not because it no longer work, but because the memory is to small for the Android system.
ReplyDelete