As Sony are still a main player in this market it will be around for a very
long
time.

I wouldn't bet on that. I beleive Sony have already stopped further design
improvements to the medium.
From it's concept it never did make a huge stamping ground on the UK market
and since it's a Sony patented design no other bugger can join in!

I personaly think it wont be long before it vanishes into the background
just like analogue cassette.


Steve