Visual Guide to Sony's Network Walkman (1999-2013)

The Evolution of Digital Music Players

The Sony Network Walkman series represents a significant evolution in digital music players, blending innovative features with sleek design over two decades. From the introduction of the first Memory Stick Walkman to the modern high-resolution streaming models, Sony’s Network Walkman line has continually pushed the boundaries of portable audio technology. Let’s take a closer look at the journey of these iconic devices and how each release marked a step forward in the world of digital music.

The Birth of the Network Walkman

Sony NW-MS7

The first Memory Stick Walkman, the NW-MS7, was released in 1999. It marked the beginning of Sony's foray into digital music players, eventually becoming part of the Network Walkman category.

The Introduction of Flash Memory

Sony NW-E3

In 2000, Sony launched the NW-E3, the first flash memory Network Walkman, with the silver model debuting on June 10 and blue and red versions following in December. Sony also introduced the NW-E2, a 32MB version exclusive to the U.S., and the limited edition NW-E5 with 96MB of storage, released in December, available only in Japan.

Sony NW-MS6 / NW-MS9 / NW-MS10 / NW-MS11

2001 saw the release of an updated version of the original Memory Stick player. These players came bundled with either 64 MB/128 MB MagicGate Memory Sticks and used a gumstick type battery.

Headphone-Integrated Models and New Features

Sony NW-E8P

Released on April 21, 2001, the NW-E8P was the first model to integrate headphones directly into the design, maintaining the core functionality of the NW-E3 but offering a new form factor.

Sony NW-E10 / NW-E7

Released on October 21, 2001, the NW-E10 (128MB) and NW-E7 (64MB) included a new USB cradle and were the first models to support MP3 playback without conversion, using the OpenMG Jukebox for transfers.

Flash Memory Integration

Sony NW-MS70D

The NW-MS70D, launched in 2003, was the first Memory Stick Walkman with built-in flash memory, enhancing storage options and portability.

The Shift to Hard Disk Storage and Increased Capacities

Sony NW-HD1

As a commemorative model for the 25th anniversary of the Walkman, the NW-HD1 was the first hard disk type Network Walkman, combining large storage capacity with the classic Walkman design. The HD1 has a built-in 20 GB hard drive, allowing it to store 323 hours of music at 132 kbps.

Sony NW-E95 / NW-E75 / NW-E99 / NW-E73 / NW-E55

In 2004, Sony released the NW-E95 (512MB) and NW-E75 (256MB) with up to 70 hours of playback from a single AAA battery. The NW-E99, launched in December, offered 1GB using two 512MB memory sticks. Europe also saw the NW-E73 (128MB) and budget NW-E55, which were not available in Japan.

Long Battery Life and Innovative Design

Sony NW-E507, NW-E505, NW-E407, NW-E405

Released on April 21, 2005, these models introduced the "Walkman Stick" design and were the first Network Walkman to feature an FM tuner. They include an OLED display and a one-handed jog shuttle. The NW-E507 and NW-E407 offer 1GB of memory, while the NW-E505 and NW-E405 have 512MB. The NW-E500 series has an FM tuner, unlike the E400 series.

Sony NW-E503 / NW-E403

Released exclusively in Europe, these models offered 256MB of storage and followed the same design principles as their Japanese counterparts.

Sony NW-E107, NW-E105, NW-E103

Released on March 21, 2005, these models featured a disc-shaped design similar to a stopwatch, maintaining the basic performance of the previous models while enhancing portability.

Introduction of the A-Series

Sony NW-A3000 / NW-A1000

Sony’s “Walkman A” series, released on November 19, 2005, includes the NW-A3000 with a 20GB HDD and the NW-A1000 with a 6GB HDD. The A3000 features a 2-inch OLED display, while the A1000 has a 1.5-inch display. The A3000 includes an FM tuner, unlike the A1000.

Sony NW-A608, NW-A607, NW-A605

The flash memory models of the A-series, including the NW-A608 (2GB), NW-A607 (1GB), and NW-A605 (512MB), were introduced as a minor upgrade to the NW-E500 series. These models included an FM tuner and were the first to feature a 2GB flash memory option. All models used a black and white OLED display.

USB Direct and Multi-Format Support

Sony NW-E000 Series

Released on June 10, 2006, the NW-E005 (2GB), NW-E003 (1GB), and NW-E002 (512MB) introduced a USB memory stick design, supporting MP3, ATRAC3plus, WMA, and AAC formats for the first time. Models with an "F" at the end, such as NW-E005F and NW-E003F, included FM tuners and were available outside Japan.

Expanded Storage and Sound Quality Enhancements

Sony NW-E016, NW-E015, NW-E013

Released on April 21, 2007, this lineup introduced the E series' first 4GB model. These devices also featured direct USB connection, Clear Audio Technology, and an LCD display capable of showing CD covers.

Sony NW-A800 Series

Announced on March 7, 2007, and released on March 21, the NW-A808 (8GB), NW-A806 (4GB), and NW-A805 (2GB) were successors to the A1000 series, featuring video playback and a 2-inch color LCD display.

First Walkman with OneSeg and Bluetooth

Sony NW-A910 Series

Released on November 17, 2007, the NW-A919 (16GB), NW-A918 (8GB), and NW-A916 (4GB) were the first Walkman models to support OneSeg broadcasting for digital television and featured noise canceling functions.

Sony NWZ-A818, NWZ-A816, NWZ-A815

Released only outside Japan in September 2007, these models were successors to the NW-A800, without ATRAC support and and adding drag-and-drop transfers.

Bluetooth and Improvements

Sony NW-A829 / NW-828

Released on March 20, 2008, the NW-A829 (16GB) and NW-A828 (8GB) introduced Bluetooth for wireless audio and improved LCD color reproduction and noise canceling. The NWZ-A Series Walkman offered high-quality audio and video, with a sleek aluminum design, and a 2.4-inch screen.

Customization and Advanced Features

Sony NW-E026F, NW-E025F, NW-E023F

Released on March 8, 2008, these models featured a removable "Style-Up Panel," allowing users to customize their device's appearance. They also supported FM radio, maintaining the functionality and sound quality of the previous models.

Increased Storage and Modern Design

Sony NW-E044, NW-E043, NW-E042

Released on May 16, 2009, the NW-E044 (8GB), NW-E043 (4GB), and NW-E042 (2GB) continued the customizable "Style-Up Panel" feature with a more rounded design, marking the last model equipped with the Virtual Mobile Engine.

Sony NW-A840 Series

Announced on September 16, 2009, and released on October 31, the NW-A847 (64GB), NW-A846 (32GB), and NW-A845 (16GB) were the first Network Walkman models to feature 64GB flash memory, following the X1000 series in digital amplifier and OLED display technology.

New Formats and Digital Noise Cancelling

Sony NW-E053K, NW-E053, NW-E052K, NW-E052

Released on October 9, 2010, these models transitioned from a stick to a plate design and were the first in the E series to include a "WM-PORT" and a Linux OS. New features included Direct Recording, Lyric Fit, Automatic Channel, DSEE, and VPT Acoustic Engine for improved sound quality.

Sony NW-A850 Series

Announced on September 15, 2010, and released on November 13, the NW-A857 (64GB), NW-A856 (32GB), and NW-A855 (16GB) continued the A-series' commitment to sound quality, introducing a karaoke mode and a random channel for automatic song selection.

Enhanced Design and Bluetooth Connectivity

Sony NW-A860 Series

Announced on September 13, 2011, and released on October 8, the NW-A867 (64GB), NW-A866 (32GB), and NW-A865 (16GB) brought back Bluetooth connectivity and introduced a touch panel interface, featuring a more rounded design compared to previous A-series models.

Lightweight Design, Android Integration, and Improved Features

Sony NW-E063K, NW-E063, NW-E062K, NW-E062

Released on February 11, 2012, these models introduced digital noise cancelling and a lighter, thinner design. They also featured a new color palette and updated speaker design.

Sony NW-F800 Series

Announced on September 20, 2012, and released on October 20, the NW-F807 (64GB), NW-F806 (32GB), NW-F805 (16GB), NW-F806K (32GB), NW-F805K (16GB), and NW-F805BT (16GB) were the first F-series models. Equipped with Android 4.0, this series introduced features such as FLAC compatibility, Clear Phase, and a touch-screen LCD display. For the first time in a higher-end series, models included speakers and Bluetooth headphones.

High-Resolution Audio and NFC Integration

Sony NW-E083K, NW-E083

Released on October 19, 2013, this model matched the design of the S780 series and marked the end of production for the E series with the release of the NW-S13/S13K.

Sony NW-F880 Series

Announced on September 25, 2013, and released on October 19, the NW-F887 (64GB), NW-F886 (32GB), and NW-F885 (16GB) were the second generation of the F-series and supported high-resolution audio up to 192kHz/24bit. The F880 series introduced NFC support.

NW-ZX1

The NW-ZX1 also debuted this year, becoming the first Walkman with built-in 128GB memory and compatibility with Macintosh. The standard software included was Media Go and Content Transfer for Windows, with Content Transfer provided for Mac.

Since 2013, the Sony Walkman has integrated high-resolution audio, advanced Bluetooth codecs, and Android systems. These updates improve sound quality, storage, and streaming, supporting formats like FLAC and DSD, with features such as noise cancellation and wireless connectivity.

The Sony Network Walkman series has transformed significantly, from early flash memory models to high-resolution audio players. This evolution, from 1999 to 2013, marks a crucial era of innovation that shaped the modern digital audio experience.