Sony Rolly November 2008
Sony Rolly MP3 player
This egg-shaped novelty MP3 playing device from Sony is called the Sony Rolly. It's available exclusively from Sony Centres or Sony's website, and it's quite fun to watch. Read the full report to see what else our research team had to say.
Sony Rolly
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The egg-shaped Sony Rolly plays music and ‘dances’ and is more of a toy than a serious MP3-player for music lovers. The quicker the music, the faster it dances.
You may wonder who wants a dancing MP3 player, but a quick search on YouTube will give you an idea of how much interest the novelty value of the Sony Rolly has generated. We haven’t tested this device but we’ve had a good play.
The sound comes out of two 20mm speakers on Rolly’s two ends, and is powerful enough to be heard between rooms but not enough to upset neighbours. Its quality can’t compete with a decent hi-fi system. Cups cover the speakers when the device is switched off and during some of Rolly’s energetic dancing routines, producing a similar change in sound to when you cup your ears.
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It can dance for around four hours with a single charge, according to Sony. The moves are energetic but contained – we placed it on a table with an area of just more than a square foot, and it didn’t veer too close to edge.
When dance mode is switched off, and it’s left to play music, Sony claims that it will run for around five hours. The device can be charged by a PC or laptop through a USB cable.
The Rolly weighs 300g and is unlikely to fit in a pocket, so it can’t really be described as a portable music player. And although it could fit in your bag, it doesn’t have a headphone output confirming that it isn’t designed for use when on the go.
Bluetooth link for mobile phone connection
It has 2GB of internal memory and is Bluetooth enabled, so can also play music received from a separate Bluetooth device such as a mobile phone.
Dragging Rolly backwards and forwards allows you to skip tracks, and twisting Rolly enables you to control the volume. It’s available in black or white.
The Sony Rolly is available at Sony Centres or from Sonystyle.co.uk for around £250.
MP3 player reviews
Serious music lovers should check out our MP3 player report or our micro hi-fi system report.
The Sony Rolly was first showcased at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. For details of the CES 2009, including video reports and news, check out our CES 2009 report.
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