@methodshop

"Sony has seemingly changed its mind on the MP3 music format, deciding that all new players will be able to play MP3s. Before this decision all music players made by Sony used only the company's proprietary ATRAC format, limiting users' choices somewhat.



The announcement comes before the release of Sony's new Network Walkman NW-HD1, which, much like the iPod and similar players, contains a hard drive for music storage. This first Sony offering will come with a 20 GB drive and should be considerably cheaper than the iPod.



The U-turn on MP3 support is also meant to help Sony Connect, the online music portal set up by the company to rival iTunes. Sony is even going so far as to release software updates for players already sold to allow them to play the MP3 format as well.



The release of the new player, software updates, and MP3 support on Sony Connect are all meant to happen before the end of the the year."[Via GEEK.com]



The MethodShop Spin: This major strategy reversal could help Sony compete more effectively with rivals such as Apple Computer. It's amazing Sony waited this long to drop their proprietary ATRAC format. Sony once dominated the portable music market with their Walkman product, but the iPod closed the curtains on that era 4 years ago. Accepting the MP3 format now, is probably too little too late for Sony.