Sony Walkman X-series gets much needed browser update

At this point, it's hard to quantify the effect that Sony's v1.10 software update will have on Sony's X-series Walkman: the firmware's only now hitting the intertubes. But the simple fact that it's only feature-point says, "displaying and navigating Web sites will be improved," should be enough for X-series owners to give it a go. Japan's Impress AV Watch provides some insight into improvements that include faster page load times, improved scrolling speeds, and more faithful page renderings to the originals. The update also apparently adds a link to Microsoft's Bing search engine as well as the ability to search local music folders. Now get to it buster, that 3-inch OLED DAP's not going to update itself.

[Smorkiepol9 Posted Nov 27th 2009 5:47AM]

First!!....

In all seriousness; the X-series never was truly meant to be an all-around entertainment device. Granted, the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Zune HD all have good web browsers, but are intended to be all around entertainment devices. The Sony X-Series is primarily a music player, with video and and web browsing coming in as being secondary to music.

[Christo27 Posted Nov 27th 2009 7:38AM]

@Smorkiepol9 Its rather funny... all the Zune HD users (like me) are using that same argument to reason why the zune only has 15 apps

[Stephanie C Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:10PM]

@Smorkiepol9

I just bought the Zune HD last weekend. I think it also is more music-centric. I watched video on it and looked at the browser too, and I have to say that I'm inclined to use it for music more. The interface for music is just so advanced over anything else I've seen and it looks like they put lots of thought into it. But video(on the Zune itself, I didn't try the TV out function) and the browser are not as exciting IMO.

As for apps, I only downloaded 2 because that's all I want to use at this time. I'm not too upset over lack of apps because I wanted a music player first anyway.

[Stephanie C Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:21PM]

@Smorkiepol9

On second thought, maybe I was a litle harsh about the video viewing on the Zune HD. The colors are very vibrant so that counts for something.

[Smorkiepol9 Posted Nov 27th 2009 2:32PM]

@Stephanie C

Yes, you do make some valid points. The Zune is first and foremost, a music player. But it does browsing and video very well. For example, they custom built IE6 mobile for the Zune, allowing for a better browsing experience. They also included an OLED screen, which would would have very little purpose if used for just music.

[Stephanie C Posted Nov 27th 2009 5:51PM]

@Smorkiepol9

I will have to test the browser more then. I did give it another chance and it does seem I should have done further testing. It's OK for short term viewing, but I'm still not sure I could use it for a long period of time.

The OLED screen does indeed work for the video viewing, but it also makes everything in the music section easier to read IMO. Much clearer and sharper text.

[Muhammad Oli Posted Nov 27th 2009 5:59AM]

Hey hold on a second, that's my Walkman! Now to work out how to even get this update... What's the bet it's not available for New Zealanders?

[DariaMorgendorffer Posted Nov 27th 2009 6:45AM]

too little too late

why don't they release the new 64GB Walkmans in Europe too??!!

[yomachaser Posted Nov 27th 2009 8:13AM]

Does this mean after all this time my psp (which uses the same garbage Netfront browser) will see this upgrade?

[New Reformation Posted Nov 27th 2009 10:45AM]

@yomachaser

I seriously freaking hope so! I mean, I love my pspGO but the browser needs some serious work.

[JapanCAT Posted Nov 27th 2009 8:50AM]

把音质做到最好，才是sony现在要做的事情，因为当我我在听X1050的时候，从来不去看它的3.0寸小破屏，要上网，我也会用iPhone。

[thanatos465 Posted Nov 27th 2009 12:39PM]

overprice, my ZuneHD was cheaper and just as good

[Smorkiepol9 Posted Nov 27th 2009 1:22PM]

@thanatos465

It's Sony, what'd you expect?

[kiyu727 Posted Nov 28th 2009 6:05PM]

@thanatos465
GREAT !
Then sell me a Zune HD... but I'd say you wont cuz I live in Europe and Sony was smarter (or more experienced) by selling the walkman x in europe as well
I'd have bought the Zune though if you ask me between Zune HD and Walkman X...

[To Hell Posted Nov 27th 2009 1:09PM]

The X series is slipping awaaaaay

[jblee124 Posted Nov 27th 2009 3:59PM]

The current update does not apply to U.S. version. We'll have to wait for a separate firmware upgrade.