The Walkman is back! Sony reveals latest incarnation of the iconic portable music player

Sony has unveiled a high definition $1,440 portable music player to take on smartphone.

15:47 07 January 2015

Sony has brought back its iconic Walkman as a high definition audio player saying that its audio quality is far better than that currently available on smartphones.

The device called NW-ZX2 is set to cost a staggeringly high amount - $1,443 or £950 - and will have 128GB capacity and 60-hour battery life.

The device resurrects the iconic brand, which was first introduced in July 1979 and became the definitive portable music player in the cassette tape era, but it struggled to maintain the crown when Apple’s iPods dominated the MP3 format scene. 

'For a while there was a novelty in carrying 10,000 songs in your pocket,' said Sony's Mike Fasulo at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

'Now, people are seeking a higher quality experience.'

'The new Walkman is a great example of the quality of hi-res audio, it is tailored for outstanding sound,' said Mr Fasulo.

'I'm sure everyone here is not ready to delete their MP3 library - and we've got you covered.

'You'll be able to elevate the audio quality of your existing library.

'We can add quality, depth and more emotions to the cherished tunes in your collection.'

However, experts say Sony has a tough fight on its hands.

'There is clearly a resurgence it getting back to music in the purest way,' said Stuart Miles of Pocket Lint.

'If there is one brand that can associate with that it is the Walkman.

'However the question is whether there is enough of an appetite for enough people to justify bringing it back.'