Sony introduces new credit-card sized NW-HD1 20GB Hard-drive based MP3 Player. Sony is sticking with their Network Walkman branding on this MP3 Player that is positioned against the Apple iPod.

Update 07/19/04: Sony NW-HD1 on sale at AudioCubes for $569.00.

The Sony NW-HD1 is supposedly the smallest 20GB Player on the market. The new Sony Walkman again will only support the proprietary ATRAC format only. The new Sony features a 1.8-inch, 20GB hard-drive. The ATRAC format enables the NW-HD1 to store up to 13,000 songs. With the bundled SonicStage jukebox converting many Internet audio formats, including MP3, WMA and WAV files is possible. This new Sony Network Walkman is designed to work with Sony's Online Music Store: Connect Music Store.

Update: More details on the Sony NW-HD1

The Sony NW-HD1 also employs shock-resistant technology to protect the Hard-drive when the player is dropped. USB 2.0 interface is used to transfer data. A 7 line backlit LCD display is used. The price for the Sony NW-HD1 is going to be under $400 in the US. The new Walkman is going on sale in Japan July 10th and mid August in the US. More details in US Sony Press-Release and on Japanese Sony Press-Release. See also EverythingUSB.