Despite its grand stature as one of the biggest electronics maker in the world, Sony Electronics just can't seem to topple the American-based Apple Computers in the digital music market. With figures something like 32 million units sold, Apple's venerable iPod just does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon -- forcing Sony to look from afar at the industry, portable music, it once ruled with an iron fist.

One of the most popular electronics ever created, the Walkman, has been completely substituted by a small, white rectangle by a chiefly computer company, an advent clear out of left field. Sony, now under the direction of Sir Howard Stringer is getting ready to pounce, though nothing in their immediate plans yells out 'iPod Killer.' Sony's attempts to maintain its grip on its native country, Japan, has worked to some extent, but even the Japanese cannot completely deny the appeal of Apple's product. Apple has 45 percent of the market in Japan, compared to Sony's paltry 15 percent.

Sony's Connect music service is simply one area where the company lags behind -- indeed, where all other companies lag behind. As Sony goes forward toe-to-toe with Apple we'll have to wait and see who will come out on top. Now, if only Apple got down to business: creating a video game console.