Sony’s Walkman brand has become so established over the last three decades that it now stretches generations. No joke. The brand originally used for portable audio cassette players is now celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

The device was built in 1978 by audio division engineer Nobutoshi Kihara for Sony co-chairman Akio Morita, who wanted to be able to listen to operas during his frequent transpacific plane trips. The original Walkman was marketed in 1979 as the Walkman in Japan.

Since 1979, the Walkman brand has been utilized to market audio cassette players, CD players, MP3 players, MiniDisc players, and Walkman phones.  The first cassette player was revolutionary for its time; It provide the ability to carry music around listenable with the push of a button.

How have we come along since 1979, the release of the first Walkman player? Here’s a video dedicated to the revolution that is Walkman. Thank you Sony.

[via SonyInsider]

Although announced simultaneously, the Sony S640 and S740 have received a considerable amount more of attention than the Sony A840.  This is partly due to the fact that not too many of us are expecting to see the A840 hit these western shores.

The guys over at imp3.net have revealed that the Sony A840 has been released into the Chinese market. The release of the product is just in time for Sony’s 30-year Walkman anniversary.

This is a great piece of kit.  All of its features make for a great competitor to the Apple dominated market. A 64GB player with video capabilities, support for a variety of file formats, a long-lasting battery, noise-canceling technology, FM-tuner, and 2.8-inch display – what’s not to love? I have to keep reminding myself that it doesn’t feature touchscreen technology and an awesome app store. Keep at it Sony…

For further information, checkout the product page.

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Since the official corporate announcement of the S740,  Sony has kept the release of the player nicely under wraps.  Word has now emerged through SonyInsider that the S740 is hitting retail stores throughout the Asian Pacific region.

This has raised speculation as to whether the U.S. and Europe will get to lay its hands on the holy grail.  Although western consumers have all ruled out the possibility of an A840 stateside release, there is still strong hope for the new S740.

The Asian Pacific region has been short changed in the color department – it’s available in black only.  We’re not quite sure what happened to the purported color choices of gold, green, and violet that are available in Japan. Let’s hope the western allies receive more consideration.

S740 Specs:

• 2.0-inch LCD display
• available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities
• features noise cancelling technology with Sony’s Trademarked Clear bass, Clear Stereo, and DSEE sound technologies.
• continuous audio playback of 42 hours and 10 hours video.
• includes FM tuner, TV out (SD), and lyric service.
• available in black, gold, green, and violet.

Sony has made its first effort to market the Sony S640 since the company’s official product announcement. In what appears to be a television advertisement, a 15-second promotional video of the S640 has been posted to the web.  Unfortunately, the promo is in Japanese making it almost undecipherable.

Recall, the S640 features a 2-inch LCD available in a hefty 32GB with accompanying 8GB and 16GB options. Battery life is rated at 42 hours of audio or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. The S640 lacks the noise cancellation technology and an output video option seen on the S740 and the stereo speakers seen on the S540.

In an attempt to continue the hype created by the new Sony S540 (which has already hit the likes of Amazon), Sony have released a video showcasing the S540’s capabilities in a last push effort to encourage consumers to exchange their hard cash for the swanky player.

We’re not too sure about Tim’s musical talent, but we’re not about to complain about getting a glimpse of the S540 in action.

Recall that the S540 is available in either 8 or 16gb storage capacities. Equipped with a landscaped 2.4-inch screen, the S540 comes with a nifty pair of external speakers. The 10.2mm thick player boasts a battery life of 42 hours via headphones or 17 hours through the built-in speakers.

What happens when you stick your product in the hands of cute girls parading in front of a video camera? Your product sells, of course – at least, that’s what our pals at Sony think.

Remember the E440K, the portable MP3 player that some were mistaking for an alarm clock? The player has been spotted alongside Japanese girl-band 4minute who are purported to have signed an endorsement deal with Sony’s Walkman.

Unfortunately, don’t expect too much out of this video promo because you’ll get too see a lot more of the 5-piece girl-band than the player itself.

You’re all probably still wondering about a release date. The E440K is yet to raise its head on the likes of Amazon. Enjoy the video…

Details of Sony’s S740 have been slowly leaked to the public ever since it was spotted at a Sony reseller trade show in Japan. Little did we know that we were looking at what is the Sony NWZ S640 AND the Sony NWZ S740.

As we suspected, both the S740 and S640 carry similar features to that of the recently released S540. Originally suspected to be packing a 2.4-inch screen, the players feature a 2-inch LCD (a far cry from an OLED). Storage capacity peaks out at a hefty 32GB with accompanying 8GB and 16GB options.

Battery life is incredible – 42 hours of audio or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge.

What’s separating the S640 and S740? Other than the S640’s choice of psychedelic colors, the S740 will feature noise cancellation technology and an output video option.

With a larger screen and stereo speakers, the S540 is still a better bet as an entry-level player.

[via Engadget]

Since our last post of Sony’s new mystery player (the Sony NWZ S740), a few more details have emerged about the cousin to the S540.

IMP3.net are reporting that the S740 is equipped with a screen stretching 2.4-inches.  Additional features include an FM tuner and voice recording capabilities.   The S740 continues the trend of incorporating the distinguishing “Mickey Mouse” controller layout.

Sony NWZ S540 vs S740:

Thus far, the similarities are bordering on uncanny. Aside from the missing stereo speakers on the S740 that are featured on the S540, there is not too much to speak about.

However, the S740 will featured improved earphones. From the pictures, it appears as there will a large variety of color choice. Storage capacities and screen size/resolution remain unchanged.

[EDIT:] Sony has announced the official release of the S740.