Sony has delayed the launch for its eVilla Internet appliance, originally due in April, until sometime in May. While Sony says that the device was moving toward an on-time release, the company decided to delay so added and refined features could be included. Sony says that the device, expected to retail for about $500, will allow consumers who do not yet have a computer or other Internet connection to surf the Web and download digital music.
The eVilla was initially introduced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and had been slated for delivery to retail stores in the early part of April. A Sony spokesperson told C
net that the company’s decision to delay the launch of the eVilla was not based upon major design changes but rather “Öto be sure that sure we have all of the partnerships and features we think are compelling.”
eVilla owners will be able to store digital content on the Memory Stick, although songs downloaded from the Internet to the eVilla can only be played on that machine. This may not appeal to the more Web savvy user who prefers to be able to transfer their files from a central device to a portable unit, such as the Memory Stick Walkman.
According to C
- net, Sony will begin shipping the eVilla to retailers on May 1st and will start taking preorders through the company’s Web site around the last week in April.
