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CES Global Sony Ericsson Walkman W760 launched –but what about the impact on local search?

by: admin Monday, January 7th, 2008

Rating: passion, GPS and music

The first thing that sprung to my mind when I read about the new global Walkman the W760 was that built in GPS and Google Maps as well as music and step by step directions – sounded impressive. The send thing was – why would users log in to a WAP portal for mobile directions if the handset is offering them from the idle screen or the application menu instantly?

But first the phone.

Sony Ericsson today announced the W760, a global Walkman® phone with tri-band HSDPA, enabling broadband speed downloads of the latest music and content wherever in the world it is used. Offering music on your mobile and much more, the phone delivers built-in GPS to help you find that secret gig, distinctive Stereo Speakers for sharing your music and the latest hit games, including Need for Speed(TM) ProStreet.

W760 Walkman® phone - Enjoy and share - anywhere in the world

• Stay grounded - GPS and Wayfinder Navigator(TM)1) built-in, plus Google Maps(TM) for step-by-step directions to your destination
• Share your music inside and out
Twin speakers with Stereo Widening plus an optional Active Speaker for outdoor use
• Match your mood - choose and match your music with SensMe(TM)
• Score big - great gaming features, motion control and widescreen gameplay. Need for Speed(TM) ProStreet preloaded

What we think?
With the increasing introduction of Google Maps into the hardware there is no doubt small mobile navigation or local mobile search players are going to be squeezed out of the market. For example, the device will be optimized for GPS and one click access to Google Maps will eventually push out the middle man.

More over the features of the phone shift the emphasis of the Walkman brand away from a music device to a utility unit. The features are complimentary – and the target market must be trendy, jet-setting consumers and young professionals. The mix of music, GPS, music search, out door speakers and gaming set this device apart.