Sony Creates Gold-Plated Walkman With Hardware Mirroring Real Instruments

If you thought the Walkman was dead, think again. Sony has just released the WM1ZM2 and WM1AM2 Walkman Digital Media Players in luxurious flourish. 

The NW-WM1ZM2 is the descendant of 2016’s NW-WM1Z Walkman, and is made from vastly premium materials for a truly luscious feel. Its chassis consists of gold-plated oxygen-free copper, a material often used in instrument manufacturing, according to Sony. 

This means that the new Walkman will get to enjoy a “unique natural, acoustic sound” just like a real instrument would. Its rigidity will also provide a “clear, expansive sound,” the company writes, “so you can experience each instrument as if it were performing live.”

Meanwhile, the NW-WM1AM2 comes in an aluminum alloy frame with a focus on rigidity and resisting electrical noise, among other interferences to the music. 

Both devices are said to have a five-inch, 1,280-by-720 pixel display, and run a “heavily-skinned” version of Android 11, according to Notebookcheck. All major music streaming services are said to be supported, which does adapt the device to current times. 

Users can either stream their favorite tracks or connect the Walkman to a PC to download tracks and playlists onto the device. 

Although neither of them is available on Sony’s website yet, it has been suggested that they will begin shipping in Asia in April 2022. Global pricing is not yet confirmed, although TechRadar reports that the NW-WM1AM2 will cost around US$1,300. 

[via Notebookcheck and TechRadar, images via Sony]