Sony will release the new NWD-W270 series Walkman Sports MP3 Player next month, which is 100% waterproof and more compact in size compared to the company's previous models. Available in three colors (black, blue and white,) the NWD-W273 packs a 4GB memory and is 100% waterproof in order to be used by even in a swimming pool.

Compared to Sony's previous W263 model, the W273 is 30% smaller and its weight has been reduced to about 29g. In addition, Sony hasplaced a new a 'lock' and a sliding power button on its side.



The audio player supports drag-and-drop transfer of audio files transfer when connected to Mac OS (10.6 ~ 10.8 OS X) and Windows XP/Vista/7/8 systems through its micro USB interface.

Supported audio files include DRM-free ATRAC/MP3/WMA/AAC / Linear PCM (WAV).

The earphones use the "EX" units with a diameter of 13.5mm.

The W273 will be available in Japan next month for about 10,000 yen ($112.)

Specifications - Sony NWD-W273

- Memory: 4GB

- Supported formats:
MP3/WMA/ATRAC / Linear PCM / AAC-LC
MP3: Bit rate: 32 - 320kbps (supports VBR), sampling frequency: 32, 44.1, 48kHz
WMA: Bit rate: 32 - (supports VBR), 192kbps, sampling frequency: 44.1kHz
ATRAC: Bit rate: 48 - 352 kbps (66/105/132kbps ATRAC3), sampling frequency: 44.1kHz
Linear PCM: Bit rate: 1411 kbps, sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
AAC-LC: Bit rate: 16 - 320kbps (supports VBR), sampling frequency: 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48kHz

- Connectors: USB Hi-Speed
- Music search method: ZAPPIN (Short / Long)
- Music play modes: Repeat, shuffle and repeat
- Charging time (USB): about 90 minutes
- Battery life: About 8 hours music playback (MP3)
- Weight (battery included): about 29g