Overview
Earlier this year, Sony brought an end to the floppy disc and it seems the beloved portable cassette player has seen the same fate. Released in 1979, the Japanese brand halted the manufacturing and distribution of the Walkman back in April. Sony’s Walkman first saw a sharp decline in sales after the inception of the Apple iPod which graced global shelves in 2001. Since then the iPod has fast become the world’s most favourite music player, with the US Media and Entertainment Services Alliance reporting a quarterly sale figure of 278.5 million units since 2002.
But before you cry tears of nostalgia, take solace in the fact that a Chinese company has taken over the licensing agreement. Unfortunately, sole distribution to the USA and the UK will mean those of us across the pond may have to jump online. Or better yet, jump on a plane.