Sony’s new $5,900 gold-plated Walkman music player doesn’t come with the latest version of Android
Got money to burn? Sony's got something for you.
Sony has unveiled three new digital music players under its Walkman brand, including the WM1ZM3, priced at an astonishing $5,900. This premium device boasts a striking gold-plated chassis, a feature that reflects the brand's longstanding reputation for quality. The Sony Walkman name, once synonymous with audiophiles, is once again capitalizing on its legacy with these high-end Android-powered devices.
Despite their luxurious appearance and advanced features, these Walkman devices are still using Android 16. This version of the operating system represents an improvement over their predecessors, which were running Android 11 and Android 12. However, this choice to forgo the latest Android version, Android 17, when selling a product at a near-six-figure price point, has drawn criticism.
The devices also feature Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine and up to 40 hours of battery life, further cementing their place among the elite in the music player market. Sony's decision to equip these Walkman devices with Android 16, rather than the latest Android 17, has sparked debate about the value of such a high price point when paired with an older operating system.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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