Sony readies Walkman assault on iPod Touch

Watch out, Apple - Sony is rumoured to be on the cusp of unveiling an iPod Touch-style Walkman complete with an OLED display and Wi-Fi.

According to a “trusted inside source” that spoke to website Sony Insider, the Walkman will be the most advanced music, video and photo player ever released by the Japanese electronics giant.

It’s thought that the device’s display will be a touchscreen and is said to sport a "WQVGA resolution" - which could be anywhere from 384 x 240 upwards.

In addition to Wi-Fi compatibility for full web access, the Walkman is rumoured to be able to link a user’s music collection directly to related YouTube videos. If you’re listening to Womanizer by Britney Spears, for example, you’ll be able to click on a song title and be transported directly through to the song's music video.

A YouTube icon may also appear on the Walkman’s main menu, giving you unrestricted access to the site’s entire content. Audio podcast feeds could be supported too.

The source said that two capacity options will be available: 16GB and 32GB. In terms of supported audio file formats, users you will probably get MP3, WMA, AAC and PCM capability. Video support is likely to focus on MPEG 4 and WMV, the source claimed.

Other rumoured features include noise-cancellation earphones and an integrated FM radio.

Keep your eyes peeled for a potential Walkman launch at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, next month.