Wow!  When I woke up this morning, my inbox was overflowing, and much of it was upcoming releases from Sony.  The powerhouse of multimedia is at it again, updating almost everything in their line of headphones and multimedia players.  In fact, I am extremely please to find that their new multimedia player finally includes Bluetooth functionality, one of the biggest criticisms I laid into the NWZ-A818 when I reviewed it a few months ago.

The three new media players include the S720, A 720, and A820 (the update of the A800 which I reviewed).  Like their predecessors, all three include a vibrant screen (320×240 QVGA), and come with ear bud style headphones which passively block ambient noise.  Of course, each of the three is geared toward a slightly different user and offers slightly different functions.

The NWZ-S710 features noise canceling technology, which is perfect for the frequent air traveler.  According to the press release:

Because the system diminishes intrusive noise, listeners can avoid turning up the volume. Travelers can turn on the noise canceling feature and get peace and quiet even without listening to music.

It also features a 1.8 inch screen and an FM radio with 30 preset stations.

The NWZ-A720 series, on the other hand, features a much slimmer design and a larger, 2.4 inch screen.  Meanwhile, the NWZ-A820, which is identical to the NWZA-720 series, features Bluetooth technology, allowing you to listen to music with or without wires.  AT LAST!

For fitness enthusiasts, the NWZ-A820K Walkman® player comes bundled with both the EX-series earbuds and the DR-BT21G Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled headphones. With a wireless behind-the-neck style, the DR-BT21G stereo Bluetooth® headset has built-in remote control features that play, pause and forward tracks. Fully charged, this headset offers hours of listening to music, watching videos or hands-free talking while connected to a compatible cell phone.

The NWA-S710 series comes in 4 GB ($150) and 8GB ($200) models.  The NWZ-A720 series comes in 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB models.  The prices for the A720 and S710 are identical, with the extra 16 GB model costing $300.  Finally, the NWZ-A820 series comes in 8 GB and 16 GB versions, which cost only slightly more than their A720 counterparts ($270 and $320 respectively).

In addition to their media players, Sony also announced a new hybrid digital voice recorder and iPhone support for its clock radios.

Finally, Sony has completely updated its line of headphones with 20 new models.  Included among them are:

• The MDR-22KD, which are designed for children ($15)
• A new collection of headphones for active users, featuring an over the ear design ($20-$100)
• MDR-NC40 noise canceling headphones ($100)
• A complete update to all of the headphones in the popular EX series
• A variety of earbud and behind-the-neck headphones

Sonhy expects to release all of these products over the course of March and April, which means there will likely be quite a few trips to the local consumer electronics store for me in the next couple of months.

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