In 1979, a device was born that revolutionized the way people perceive and listen to music: the Sony Walkman TPS-L2. The first truly portable stereo cassette player, designed to fit into your palm or pocket while delivering quality sound through your headphones. Its blue-silver metal body looked elegant and futuristic – like a small hi-fi sports car among the players of that time.

The TPS-L2 had two headphone outputs and a "hotline" button that allowed the music to be briefly interrupted so you could communicate with the second listener via microphone. This feature was like a musical intercom – unusual, yet ingenious.

Originally, the Walkman had different names: "Soundabout" in the USA, "Stowaway" in the United Kingdom. In the end, the name "Walkman" prevailed and became synonymous with the personal cassette player. Sony expected monthly sales of about 5,000 units, but over 30,000 devices were sold within the first two months. A cultural phenomenon was simply born.