According to previously credible sources, Sony is readying a 2, 4, and 8gb video Walkman which is smaller than the Apple iPod Nano. It will have the appearance of the NW-A3000/1000 units of old but in a more flat and rectangular form like its Apple counterpart. The big ticket with this device is that it will feature supposedly 8 to 10 hours of video playback, although we all know that those figures can be manipulated by low brightness, low volume, video/audio codec quality, etc. However, we must admit that Sony has been able to pull impressive battery life figures in the past with a variety of interesting technologies. The hardware interface should feature similar buttons to the A3000 series, but don’t expect to see an Artist Link button. A superslim profile ( 6.5mm thick ) and a gorgeous screen of a larger size than the Nano for optimal rotated viewing is expected.

The GUI is still the 3×3 menu layout similiar to the A3000, but with updated icons and better overall menu functionality. Four colors will be introduced: violet, black, blue, pink (various regions may only get certain colors). Pricing should be equivalent or slightly higher than the Nano. An early March announcement is expected.

This could be a huge release for Sony, or possibly just a shadow in the upcoming presence of the next generation iPod.

Once again Sony has bestowed upon PSP users with another new PSP firmware. The new PSP firmware version 3.11, however, is yet another incremental updates meant for those with a PS3. So, there you go - a rather insignificant update. Accordingly firmware 3.11 includes:

GAME
★ Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.
★ [Game Reset] option has been added to the menu.

UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE:
PSP Firmware 3.11: Japanese | US | European | Chinese | Korean

It has come to our attention that Sony Japan will release a new worldwide AC adaptor, AC-NWUM50 to complement its latest Walkman (S700F/S600 series) on February 21, 2007. The new worldwide AC adaptor will retail for approximately 3,500 yen (approx. USD29) and is compatible with Walkman with WM-PORT as well as standard USB port. No release dates were given for release outside of Japan as yet, but the new AC adaptor should be available in all major Sony markets at a later date.

Features:
★ Compact and lightweight design for easy charging, carrying and storage.
★ Charges using AC outlet: no PC required for USB charging; a WM-PORT (22 pins) connecting cable is supplied for use with WM-PORT (22 pin) enabled Walkman. Note: the supplied WM-PORT connecting cable does not support data transfer.
★ “Swing-type” plug: allows the AC plug to be folded into the body of the adapter when not in use.
★ 100-240V AC input range for worldwide usage – makes the AC-NWUM50 a great accessory for use at home or while traveling abroad.

Specifications
Input voltage: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz
Rated output voltage: DC 5.0 V
Rated output current: 800mA
Dimensions: 63 (depth) × 33 (height) × 63mm (width) (not including projecting parts)
Mass: approx. 100g

Microsoft recently released its new line of operating systems dubbed Windows Vista, and unfortunately it appears that the current version of SonicStage (4.2) has difficulty operating normally within this environment and often experiences erratic behavior. Fortunately, both Sony Japan and Sony Europe has acknowledged this issue and is determined to issue updates to alleviate the problem. The update should arrive in a few weeks, if not sooner.

With SonicStage 4.3, most Walkman devices released in the last half decade or so shall now be compatible with Windows Vista.

One cannot help but observe on this site that Sony notes in the official notice, “CONNECT Player software (delivered with the NW-A608, NW-A1000, and NW-A3000) is not compatible with Windows Vista.” Perhaps Sony found a cool way to finally terminate this horrid excuse for a music management program, after all. Whilst Connect Player showed alot of promise, we are glad here at ATRACLife to see that it will not be supported any further.

We are not aware of any other changes to the SonicStage program that will come with this new release, but stay tuned to ATRACLife for the latest details regarding this update.

Sony has released an iPod compatible sound system/dock in a rather unusual acknowledgement to the superior portable audio experience held by Apple. With sufficient power to fill your dorm room or small office with a mediocre-quality sound experience, this $249USD gem might just blackjack Bose’s offering as its $50 cheaper than the aforementioned competition. Nonetheless, it seems if the CPF design is rather ubiqitous, as previous products in the same model line have a similiar appearance and specifications.

This dock supports 1st and 2nd Generation Nano, 5th Generation Video, 4th Generation Color, 4th Generation or 1st Generation Mini iPod models.

The demo for the best first-person shooter on the PSP for 2006, Medal of Honor Heroes is now available for download from Europe’s official PSP Store.

For your convenience, the demo can also be acquired accordingly within our download section of the forum. Note: A simple free forum registration is required to download the file - Register for free to participate in the #1 discussion board for ATRAC based device.

Instructions: Create a new folder - [ULED90008] - within PSP>GAME and copy the Medal of Honor: Heroes Demo file (total size: 26,831 KB) into the newly created folder accordingly.

Enjoy!

(Hi-MD with BeatJam 2007 LE)

We thought our readers would like to know that Just System Ltd has just updated its music management software, BeatJam 2007 LE (in Japanese only). The newly updated BeatJam 2007 LE has all the usual music management features including a graphic EQ (a feature we hope SonicStage CP would implement). However, the BeatJam 2007 LE does not have a CD ripping function (this function is available in the SE version of BeatJam) but it can certainly transfer music to supported digital audio players (yes, including Hi-MD, Network Walkman and the PSP).

It is obvious from the various screenshots we’re presenting here that the interface is tighter in appearance and is most likely more intuitive than SonicStage CP itself. Whilst SonicStage CP really is a decent experience for music management, it really is no secret that Japan gets the upper hand with the Sony experience. And Sony is entitled to do that given the unique circumstances that surround its community, but what about the rest of us? Why can’t the designers of both systems collaborate on a truly unified GUI and experience? It is disappointing that this program will not be readily available for other parts of the world.

Supported music format comprise of ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus/MP3/WMA/WAV. BeatJam 2007 LE also includes “HMV DIGITAL” and “Mora” online music store module. For those curious about HMV DIGITAL, it offers music downloads in both WMA and ATRAC3 format and the music store can be viewed in English language. As for Mora, it’s the Japanese equivalent to US and Europe’s Connect Music Store.

BeatJam 2007 LE can be acquired from Just System Ltd’s Music@Life site or click here.

Read the rest of this entry »