Hit Rewind: Sony Brings Back The Walkman For A Digital Generation

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Sony is bringing back the portable audio device that started it all: the Walkman.

The device, which allowed users to listen to the radio or play cassette tapes while on-the-go, has been modernized to offer digital music "just as the artists originally intended," the company stated.

"We have been focused on developing products that will reproduce the ultimate sound quality from any location," said Mike Woulfe, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Sony Electronics' Sound Division, in a release. "Sony's new portable audio line-up represents a new music experience for consumers where environmental restrictions no longer exist and they can freely enjoy the best music, regardless of where they are."

The high-resolution Walkman NW-ZX2, unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, differs from its predecessor. The frame is a rounded aluminium alloy with an internal gold-plated copper plate which assists with overall sound quality.

According to a Time article, the new Walkman saves songs in "high-resolution" unlike CD's and MP3 files which compress sound files into more manageable sizes.

There is also a number enhancements including powerful bass, "improved sense of stereo," and improved lithium-ion battery which can last up to 60 hours from one charge.

Additionally, the new Walkman utilizes a new audio technology through Bluetooth that offers "enhanced" listening experience and one-touch wireless pairing. It also offers 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 256GB with an optional microSD card.With the additional storage, the new Walkman can store over 1,700 songs stored as Hi-Res Audio files.

It is also Wi-Fi compatible and has a USB audio connection.

The Walkman NW-ZX2 will be available in spring 2015 for $1119.99