Microsoft Live Search Default on New Sony Walkman X-1000
Sony today announced (translated) the release of the X-1000 for the Japanese market on April 25th. One of the less touted and more interesting aspects in this announcement is the use of Microsoft’s Live search as the main search for the built in NetFront browser (same browser found on the PSP). MS may have landed the search contract but Google can be found on the player in the form of YouTube.
Microsoft is working hard to improve search and the hardest part is just getting people to use it as default or at all for that matter. They have already struck deals with laptop makers such as Lenovo for Live as default, so it makes a lot of sense to make some inroads on portable devices.
The release dates pricing for the US is still to be announced. In Japan however, the 16GB NWZ-X1050 and the 32GB NWZ-X1060 are selling for 40,000 and 50,000 Yen respectively. Converting this puts the player at $400 and $500! Ouch! Though I highly doubt that this will be the US MSRP since the Japanese version includes a 1-seg digital TV tuner, a TV standard we don’t have in the US and will be stripped when it makes it stateside.
Embedded below is the Sony's own promotional video showing the X-1000 in action. PC World also got a chance to take a look at at this new player if you are looking for some initial opinions.
Comments
H3O on April 14, 2009 2:38 PM
Did I just see a music control overlay like the D2. I hope it isn't what I think it is.
On a side note: I cracks me up when she says Youtube and Microsoft Live Search.
ascariss on April 14, 2009 6:27 PM
prices in north america will be more in line with the touch, maybe even cheaper, who knows.
I would really want the silver and black version to come here, since it looks more upscale and professional.
Hopefully it will be released soon.
Raza on April 14, 2009 7:00 PM
Price will kill this device!
Wings on April 14, 2009 10:03 PM
I want it!
Alex on April 15, 2009 12:31 AM
you misspelled microsoft..
Zedicus on April 15, 2009 11:57 AM
As long as they maintain the Sony quality I think this will be a fantastic player even if I have to pay a bit more. However, I can't stand the texture of it... Absolutely horrid, and for that reason alone I will stay with my p2.
Bingzhong on April 16, 2009 4:13 AM
I just fell in love. With the player.
Mp3 Players on April 23, 2009 12:20 AM
This is pretty unique...the cell phones are hitting the internet facility yes but for a Walkman to target to do that is amazing.
Zizone on April 23, 2009 7:20 PM
price in japan is always at least $100 more expensive than in the US... that's why simply just converting price is never accurate.
alex on April 26, 2009 12:27 PM
is it true that this thing only support video up tp 320x240? and not native support at that? meaning I need to convert my video before i can watch it on the player?