Add to del.icio.us     Digg this

Sep. 4, 2007

Sony said Friday that it will shut down its Connect Digital Music stores, opening its portable media players to other file formats.

Sony made the announcement as it launched two new digital Walkman units.

The new Walkman devices will play Windows Media Audio, MP-3 and AAC audio formats.

Sony's struggling Connect service only sold songs using the company's proprietary ATRAC format.

A Sony spokesperson did confirm that the company will be offering software to convert ATRAC files to the MP3 format as it phases out its Connect service.

Sony sent out a message to Connect users saying the service wouldn't close before March 1, 2008.

Of the new digital Walkman's compatibility with other music formats, the company said in a statement "this gives users greater flexibility in their music software approach."

Add to del.icio.us     Digg this

Source: Wireless Week