This is the most exciting announcement I’ve got from Sony in these past few years. Sure, there are PS3s, Sony Alpha DSLR cameras, and lots of other stuffs. However, a dancing-and-singing MP3 player? Now there’s something we all can relate to.

I think it’s safe to say that almost everyone needs MP3 player. Even my highly-allergic-to-new-technologies cousin can get used to music from iPod. I myself have been using MP3 player since several years back, starting with iPod 20GB (I think it’s the 3rd generation, right before the iPod Photo). And ever since, the improvements have been fairly scant. Video playback, bigger storage, touch screen controls are all good, but if you want to be called innovative, you gotta invent something like this.

At the CES 2008, Sony unveiled Rolly, Dubbed entertainment player, Rolly combines portable audio technology and artificial intelligence. What’s so magical is its size, which can fit comfortably in your palm. I didn’t have the chance to visit CES, let alone witnessed the Rolly demo. However, judging from the concept and Sony’s reputation in the music industry, I’m pretty confident that Rolly can deliver good sound quality. 1GB of storage is small for today’s standard, but the selling point is not the music playback capability.

Rolly is actually a robot, that can move its small arms, shoulders, and wheels (up to six moving parts) to dance to the music. Sony incorporates up to 700 lighting colors to emphasize the impact. Wow!!! I reckon it is really the reincarnation of AIBO, fused with music player, in non-canine form.
You can coreograph an original routine, using the supplied software and USB connection. I don’t imagine that it will win “Dancing with the Stars”, but the option is very welcomed.

It’s hard to say how good (and groovy) Rolly is, but at least now Apple should be worried, very very worried.

UPDATE: It’s on sale here in Indonesia for Rp 5 million (around US$570). That’s extremely high for a 2GB MP3 player, even when combined with Robo Sapien 2. The official price for Rolly is US$360

I have also included four videos showcasing Rolly. See them here.

Source : Sony

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