Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter | Revenue & Trends

The hottest Substack posts of Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter

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Some Sony products failed in the market, but they were actually really innovative for their time. For example, the NW-MS7 Walkman was an early digital music player that set the stage for future devices.
The IDT-LF1 Airboard was like a tablet before tablets existed. Even though it was too expensive and not popular, it showed what portable tech could do, hinting at the future of devices like the iPad.
Sony's early laptops, like the Vaio PCG-GT1, included features we take for granted today, like built-in cameras. These products may not have succeeded, but they paved the way for the tech we use now.

Sony created some really cool gadgets that were only sold in Japan. These devices show how innovative and unique their technology is.
One notable device is the KW-3600HD, a heavy and expensive TV that was the first to support high-definition back in 1990.
Another interesting gadget is the D-901NV Discman from 1995, which had a built-in TV tuner and GPS, combining several cool features.

Sony has a long history of headphone innovation, starting from the 1960s with their first closed stereo headphones, the DR-4A. This set new standards in comfort and sound quality.
In 1979, Sony changed the game with the MDR-3, which was lightweight and came with the original Walkman. This allowed people to listen to music anywhere, making portable audio popular.
The introduction of noise-canceling headphones began in 1995 with the MDR-NC10, marking a huge advancement in listening technology. It helped users enjoy their music without distractions from their surroundings.

Sony was a key player in creating the MSX standard for home computers in the 1980s. This platform aimed to unify computer use and consumer electronics.
Sony's MSX computers had creative designs and various models, but they faced tough competition and technical limits.
Although they didn't change the home computing landscape as hoped, these Sony computers are still cool examples of 1980s tech innovation.

Sony started the cassette revolution with the TC-100 in 1966, making audio recording and playback easy for everyone.
The Walkman, introduced in 1979, changed how we listen to music by allowing people to carry their favorite tracks wherever they went.
In 1982, Sony launched the first CD player, the CDP-101, which transformed music consumption by introducing digital audio playback.

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Sony has been a leader in TV technology, starting with their portable TVs in the 1960s and advancing to high-definition and 4K models. They keep changing how we enjoy home entertainment.
The Trinitron technology, introduced in 1968, set a new standard for color TV by offering sharper and more vibrant images. This invention marked a significant moment in TV history.
Recent innovations, like the first OLED TV in 2007 and the introduction of 4K resolution TVs in 2012, show that Sony continues to push boundaries in display technology and enhance viewing experiences.

Sony's VAIO line was important for making personal computers stylish and innovative. They focused on both design and performance in their products.
Some VAIO models, like the PCG-505 and PCG-U1, set new standards for portability and compactness in laptops. They showed that computers could be both small and powerful.
VAIO's unique designs, such as the PCV-MX1V7 and VGC-LA70B, blended multimedia features with attractive looks. This made them stand out in homes and changed how people viewed desktop computers.

The Discman was a game changer for music lovers, allowing them to enjoy CDs on the go for the first time. Its stylish design made it a popular choice for many people.
Over the years, the Discman saw many improvements like anti-skip technology and longer battery life. These upgrades made it more reliable and fun to use.
Sony continued to innovate with features like wireless audio and advanced sound quality, which helped the Discman stand out in the crowded market of portable music players.

Sony's MiniDisc format started in 1992, offering basic models with different recording times, such as 60 and 74 minutes. This was the beginning of their journey into the MiniDisc market.
Over the years, Sony introduced various colorful and uniquely designed MiniDiscs. Each new series often featured innovative designs and enhancements to attract users and improve functionality.
By 2004, the Hi-MD format emerged with enhanced features and greater storage capacity. However, it struggled to compete with newer technologies and was discontinued a few years later.