Sony Refreshing Chumby-Based Dash Lineup, Adding Battery-Powered Model
Ah, the Sony Dash. It was an interesting device from the start, but the
main complaint we heard with it was the inability to take it anywhere.
It's a widget-centric device that displays lots of useful information on
the screen that you can digest at a glance. But it requires an AC power
connection, so it's only as good as your tether. If it's in your
bedroom, you can't use it in your den, or vice-versa. It's a great
concept, but too limited by a lack of a battery.
Sony has clearly realized that, and it now making things right. The company has just introduced two new Dash products, with one being a refreshed, battery-powered model. It'll ship with a 7" color touch screen and support over 1,000 free apps, all of which are provided by Chumby. The "other" model really is just the same Dash as always, one that's AC powered. Both editions will display up-to-date weather forecasts and will include tunes from SHOUTcast radio. Furthermore, no PC is required for setup, and each one also features a USB port for connecting to storage media. The built-in speaker even allows the Dash to operate without connecting an external driver.
The new Sony Dash portable model will be offered in three colors including brown, slate blue, and orange. The second model, sans battery, will be offered in black. Both versions will go on sale this summer, with the AC-powered version to sell for $149 and the battery-powered version to receive a price tag at launch.
Sony has clearly realized that, and it now making things right. The company has just introduced two new Dash products, with one being a refreshed, battery-powered model. It'll ship with a 7" color touch screen and support over 1,000 free apps, all of which are provided by Chumby. The "other" model really is just the same Dash as always, one that's AC powered. Both editions will display up-to-date weather forecasts and will include tunes from SHOUTcast radio. Furthermore, no PC is required for setup, and each one also features a USB port for connecting to storage media. The built-in speaker even allows the Dash to operate without connecting an external driver.
The new Sony Dash portable model will be offered in three colors including brown, slate blue, and orange. The second model, sans battery, will be offered in black. Both versions will go on sale this summer, with the AC-powered version to sell for $149 and the battery-powered version to receive a price tag at launch.
SONY STRENGTHENS DASH LINEUP AT CES 2011 INTRODUCES NEW MODEL WITH RECHARGEABLE BATTERY; REDUCES CURRENT DASH PRICING
LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), Jan. 5, 2011– Expanding upon its ability to deliver personalized, real-time information throughout the home, Sony today announced the introduction of two new Dash products, including a new portable, battery-powered model. Each will be available this summer.
The current Dash model, with many new features and services added since its launch last April, will continue to be sold nationwide and now priced at about $149.
Featuring a 7-inch color touch screen, Sony Dash products utilize a wireless Internet connection to deliver real-time bits of information from the Internet. Fully customizable, Dash allows users to create their own personal playlist from over 1,000 free apps to enjoy in the kitchen, bedroom, office, or any other room in the home.
“Transportability was the next logical step in the evolution of our Sony Dash product line,” said Brennan Mullin, senior vice president of Sony’s personal imaging and audio business. “With a battery, consumers have the freedom to bring Dash from room to room in their home, experiencing the benefits of glanceable, real-time tidbits of information in new and exciting ways.”
Each of Sony’s new Dash products utilize content from chumby industries, inc to provide access to over 1,000 free apps, including Facebook™, news, sports, webcams and more. Further, both models display up-to-date weather forecasts from AccuWeather™ and include the SHOUTcast™ Radio Directory, which features over 40,000 radio stations from around the world.
These versatile new Dash models can be activated and customized in minutes, without using a PC. Out of box setup is now quicker and easier than ever.
For those that would like to enjoy the latest photos of friends and family, popular photo sharing services like Photobucket™ and Sony’s “Personal Space” application are easily accessible. Each new Dash also features a USB port for simple connection to external electronic devices or storage media, as well as a built-in speaker.
The new Sony Dash portable model will be offered in three colors including brown, slate blue, and orange. The second model, sans battery, will be offered in black.
Both models will be available this summer at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores and throughout the Sony Retailer Network nationwide. Pricing will be announced shortly.
Additionally, in order to provide consumers even greater options for customizing their Dash units, Sony will be supporting a Dash “App Development” promotion and contest for prospective app developers. More details coming soon.
