I know what you’re thinking, and we’re thinking it too: “why?” Why is Sony even bothering with an Android Walkman when just about every Android smartphone has more than enough storage and the same functionality? My first answer was “because not all parents want to buy their kids a smartphone.” Then I realized you can pick up a used Android smartphone on Ebay or Swappa for dirt cheap and basically use it as an MP3 player (my daughter is using my old OG DROID in the same manner). So why, why bother with this Sony? We can’t answer that, but what we can do, is tell you what Sony has planned for its Ice Cream Sandwich powered F800 model Walkman.

The Walkman F800 series will feature:

• AndroidTM 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Pre-installed apps, from email to maps and media gallery
• Connect wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® and download more from an ever-growing choice on Google Play
• Large, highly-responsive 8.9cm/3.5” multi-touch screen
• S-Master MX Digital Amplifier and five Clear Audio technologies
• Built-in xLOUD® speaker system that cuts distortion and unpleasant clipping for clearer listening
• And More

Sony hasn’t unveiled its price, which in my opinion, will determine whether they sell even a minute amount of these devices. Well, if you’ve always yearned for an Android-powered Walkman, your wish is about to come true soon enough.

[Update] Pricing and availability has become available and I hope you’re sitting down for this one: the F800 will be available starting next month, with the 16GB version starting at $269.99 and the 32GB starting at $299.99. At least you can say you witnessed the birth and death of the Android Walkman.

• SourceSony
• ViaAndroid Central