CES 2012: Sony NWZ-Z1000 Multimedia Android Walkman

Following Samsung's Galaxy S Wi-Fi portable media players in 2011, Sony is due to launch a 4.3-inch Z1000 multimedia Wi-Fi Walkman running on Android. 

Sony is attempting to pump some life back into the Walkman brand with this new NZW-Z1000 pocket multimedia player.

The Z1000 looks a lot like an Xperia smartphone, and boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, a 1 GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a 4.3-inch screen (800 x 640 pixels) and a micro HDMI output port. With specs like this, the Z1000 is clearly a pretty high-end MP3 player. 

The Z1000 uses the same customised version of Android seen in Sony's S and P tablets, and Xperia smartphones (including the Xperia S, also presented at CES 2012). The Google OS hiding underneath is Android Gingerbread 2.3.5. 

With Wi-Fi on board, the Sony Z1000 uses DLNA for a quick and easy way to share music and videos with other compatible devices. Like on Sony's tablets, you simply start playing the media of your choice then send it over to your TV, tablet or smartphone screen with a simple swipe of the finger. 

The Z1000 is also loaded with Sony's connected services, including Music Unlimited (formerly Qriocity) for buying and downloading tracks. 

Sony's S-Master MX technology is on hand to boost audio quality and a pair of slightly redesigned EX-series in-ear headphones is thrown in for good measure.

The NWZ-Z1000 should be arriving in February 2012 with UK pricing still to be confirmed.

It'll be available with 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB of memory, although it seems that not all versions will be released in all countries.

> Reviews: Portable Media Players
> CES 2012 Live from Las Vegas: See all news

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products