IFA 07: Sony WALKMAN A and S series MP3 and video players

First stop on the IFA trail for me was Sony, who were showing off eight new video and MP3 players. They're palm-sized, slim and sexy and come in a variety of funky colours, but best of all they now also accept WMA files, making them open to DRM and DRM-free content. Sony claim to be responding to consumer calls for flexibility in music downloading and if so, good for them.

The A series video player is pictured here in pink; over the jump you'll find the S series in red. Both series are available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB models (although the S series MP3-only range is in 2GB and 4GB only) and they come bundled with Windows Media Player 11, making the most of its ultra-simple drag and drop interface. 2" or 1.82" TFT colour screens are clear and attractive, and both can be viewed horizontally or vertically. Some of the S series models also come with FM tuners, and these dinky PMPs may yet prove to be very popular. Available from October 2007 across Europe, although you can preorder from tomorrow at Sony's website.