Walt Mossberg Says Sony's New Audio Player Is No iPod Killer

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20040728.html' target='_blank'>http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/solution-20040728.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"While the new Sony is smaller than the iPod and has much better battery life, it is markedly inferior overall. It has a confusing, complex user interface that makes it hard to use; weak software for the PC; an oddball music format that makes loading it with songs tedious; and a companion music download service that offers less than Apple's. The iPod wins this round, and remains champion."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/Sonynwhd1.jpg" /><br /><br />And that, my friends, is what we here in the Midwest call a <b>Smack down</b>. I haven't yet seen the Network Walkman for myself, but based on the interface and specs I would say it's going to flop faster than electric-blankets in July. Sony, you got served! :P

[dean_shan]

It might have had a chance to be a contender if it played MP3s. What is Sony doing?

[cmchavez]

Any word yet on what kind of response Sony is getting from their hometown customers, aka, Japan? I have seen many posts that state Sony makes their product design choices based on what the Japanese consumers want most.

But of course, I bet that Sony wasn't watching the recent rollout of iPod minis at the Tokyo Apple store, http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,64352,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2. :wink:

[Phoenix]

Yet another reason not to buy Sony. Not to say that all Sony products aren't good - I have a great Sony DV camcorder, but some of their products are just terrible.

Sony acts more and more as though they just want to market to no one other than the Japanese these days. Instead of embracing a few industry standards, they just want to push their own, which in this case for instance, is a huge mistake. We're not living in Sony-land here. Sony needs to see with bigger eyes. Sony is a household name, but people would embrace their products even more if they started focusing more on what the rest of the world wants instead of just listening to their own egos.

Maybe all the Ipod-carrying-Japanese will serve as the wake up call Sony needs.

[dean_shan]

I agree with you Phoenix, I also have a Sony video camera and am very happy with it. They just need to relize that they can't be king at everything.