Sony's Android-powered Walkman prototype (photos)

Sony's Android-powered Walkman brings many music-specific features. One of them is this W.Music app, shown here with a scattering of albums that will play when tapped. Swipe gestures bring new albums into view.

The Android-powered Walkman prototype includes a W.Button that provides quick access to music controls, even if the phone is locked. A person using another app can get to the controls faster than through the regular route of hitting the phone's home button then launching a music app.

One of the unique features of Sony's Android-powered Walkman is the W.Button, a button on the side of the device that lets people immediately access player controls. Music can be paused or restarted by tapping the center, and swipe gestures will move forward and backward through the music tracks.

The back of the device is a deep purple and sports the "W." logo for Walkman products. But there's no camera.

The W.Music app lets people select music by mood, with Sony's technology scanning songs to judge whether they're relaxing, energetic, extreme, suitable for mornings, or good for dancing.

The prototype Android Walkman is connected to Music Unlimited, Sony's subscription for cloud-based music. The service has more than 10 million music tracks.

The Android-powered Sony Walkman prototype has a swoopy back the company says provides better ergonomics for handheld use.

A feature unique to the Android-powered Walkman compared to other Walkman products is music visualizations.