[Update]:Sony Walkman Z-series now has ICS

[miykael]

I caught wind of this on another website (can't recall which one) and had to look for myself.

Check out the two links below:

http://www.sonystyle.com.hk/ss/produ...kman/index.jsp

Note that it says Android 2.3 (upgradeable) and has the Ice Cream Sandwich icon

http://www.sonystyle.com.hk/ss/produ.../feature_1.jsp

Go to and click the second section "02 | Android Platform"
Note in the bottom left hand corner "Android 4.0"

[CrowdAds]

[lollicup04]

Hmm have you tried upgrading the os yet yourself? It could be possible seeing as how it meets the min requirements for it

[Urisk]

Hi!

I just read it on some blog.

Sony has posted an official press release today. (6th of November)

It is in Japanese, but in any case, here is the link:

http://www.sony.jp/walkman/info2/20121106.html

A few quotes with translations by me. No warranty, but the info is simple enough.

First, the title:

“ウォークマン”「NW-Z1050/NW-Z1060/NW-Z1070」
のAndroid™ 4.0を含む本体システムソフトウェアアップデートプログラムおよび
「NW-F805/NW-F806/NW-F807」「NW-F805K/NW-F806K」「NW-F805BT」の
本体システムソフトウェアアップデートプログラム開始予定のお知らせ

translation:

Notification regarding the start of the distribution of the system software update including Android 4.0 for the Walkman 「NW-Z1050/NW-Z1060/NW-Z1070」as well as the system software update for the 「NW-F805/NW-F806/NW-F807」「NW-F805K/NW-F806K」「NW-F805BT」.

now there is a list of the supported products:

対象製品:
・NW-Z1050・NW-Z1060・NW-Z1070
・NW-F805・NW-F806・NW-F807
・NW-F805K・NW-F806K
・NW-F805BT

and we get a rough timeframe:

提供開始予定
2012年12月中旬

translation:

planned start of distribution
mid december 2012

(Note that this Japanese term for "mid" of a month roughly refers to the timeframe from the 10th until the 20th.)


It follows a list (in the format of a table) listing the features for the update. The leftmost column lists the features, the middle column is for the Z-Series and the right column for the F-Series. "対応済" means, that the device already supported the feature before the update (You will mostly see this in the F-Series Column which already had Android 4) and a circle means that the feature will be included in the update.
Some Sony application called ちょい聴きmora, which I never used, is not supported on ICS and will be removed if you install the update.
I won't translate the entire table, but list a few of the new features:

- Android 4.0
- FLAC playback
- Update for the W.Music App (creating playlists etc.)
- Update for the Video player App (playback in upwards position, consecutive playback)
- the Favorites-App will be widgetized
- Playback of recordings created on some newer Sony Blu-Ray recorders and TV sets.
- Introduction of some "Clear-Phase" (sp?) feature for supplied earphones as well as two other models sold seperately.
etc. etc.

[Jeven]

This is what I have against android pmps - they are always sold with some old version of android on them. It's out of date before you buy it.

May as well get a Nexus phone or, for less money, a pmp which doesn't use android - a Sony, Cowon or whatever.

[Urisk]

Well, it's not like you 'gain' anything in principle from choosing a non-android player over an android one.

I'm excited about this update, because the interface in ICS makes better use of the GPU, which is not half bad on the Tegra 2. That being said: The Android 2.whatever present version still is a lot better than the Creative Zen X-Fi 2 I've been using before when it comes to the interface part ... and I won't even start comparing the like ... two or tree apps that got released for the Zen compared to what I get on the Walkman Z.

I guess being up to date is a bit more relevant on a phone than on a media player. It's not like Android 2.x get's inherently worse by the release of a newer android version. The existence of such a newer version might raise expectations, but it normally doesn't reduce available features on previous devices.

However I'm leaving the topic here.

[mononymous]

Yay, ICS on my walkman... or maybe not. Personally, I don't see any benefits in regarding to updating to a newer version of Android. Instead, I'm looking forward to rooting my device once I get home.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase since it allows me to bring 60~70% of what I usually do with my desktop to my workplace and still follow the strict guidelines ie. military regulations. The only nagging bit would be the lack of RAM since 256MB is quite restrictive and I usually download stuff, listen to music and surf the net at the same time since I want to utilize the best of the 3G connection when I get one.

[3602]

Confirmed versions: Japanese, Mainland Chinese, American and Canadian.
Unconfirmed versions: Hong Kong, European and Australian.

That is all. I am quite surprised that a device with not even 512 MB of RAM can drive the ICS.

[johnston21]

Thanks for the heads-up. Just need it rooted now...

[JoJotaro]

The update has been released in Japan.
http://www.sony.jp/walkman/info2/20121106.html
Download:
http://www.sony.jp/walkman/update/z1000_121205.html
Youtube:

You Tube

You Tube

Anyway to apply this to non Japanese devices? Or any info of this update being released globally?
I really don't think it would be difficult for Sony to do so...
The previous firmware update was released globally on the same day...

[3602]

Thanks to the mod/admin for combining these things.

Canadian firmware: http://walkman.update.sony.net/fw/pc...V2_00_0002.exe

American firmware: http://walkman.update.sony.net/fw/pc...V2_00_0001.exe

EDIT: OK, here's how to update your Z regardless of region (EXCEPT European versions):

Modify the last four numbers of the firmware update program as follows.

Japan: 0000
America: 0001
Canada: 0002 (I fail to understand why the US and Canadian versions are different, FCC vs. whatever Canadian equivalent?)
Asia-Pacific (including Hong Kong): 0009
Mainland China: 0013

Actually there are programs available all the way from 0001 to 0014, but I do not comprehend the purposes of doing so. How many retail regions does Sony have anyway?

[JoJotaro]

0005 seems to be the European version. Or one of them at least...

[3602]

Originally Posted by JoJotaro

0005 seems to be the European version. Or one of them at least...

Why do I get the feeling that the UK version will be different from the rest of the European versions... This is just "guts", I have no proof or anything like that at all.

Anyway, we need a European version owner to confirm that, if possible.

[mfriend]

Z1000 ICS 4.0 has new Applications "direct recording" . anyone know how to use it ?

[miykael]

I am enjoying this update. The applications are performing much better (Fotmob and WatchEspn) and I like having access to upgrades (Gmail and Google Calendar) and apps that I wasn't able to install like Xbox smart glass and Chrome . As for direct recording, I don't have it... Weird.

[Elandal]

Originally Posted by 3602

Anyway, we need a European version owner to confirm that, if possible.

Here!

Is really easy to find, just see the previous update (1.21) in your country Sony site which has the same number. I have now downloaded and installed mine (Italy) which is 0004 and enjoying ICS!
I really like that now you have the same music player audio options even with the video player, suchs as the equalizer (nice GUI now) and effects.

[JoJotaro]

Germany: 0005
Italy: 0004
UK: 0014

[FlorianD]

Is there any word on rooting it?

[CJ4_mann]

Hi everybody, I live in the U.S. and I wish to upgrade my 2.3.4 Walkman to ice cream sandwich 4.00.
Can someone please tell me how to do it?
Thank You.