Sony, jockeying for better MP3 player market position, adds native support for MP3 files
Thursday September 23, 2004
Sony has long been of the mindset that they can develop media formats (i.e. Betamax) which are superior to ones already in the marketplace. In the case of MP3 players, Sony has made ATRAC the primary supported format in their branded digital audio players. Those wanting to play MP3 files on a Sony player were forced to convert them to ATRAC. This didn't settle too well in the minds of users and Sony has as a result been unable to maintain much of a market share.
Enter reality. Sony announced yesterday, according to the Associated Press, that they would begin supporting direct playback of MP3s in future flash based memory players. Additionally, owners of already existing models should soon be able to download software which will allow their players to do the same.