Sony will bring fewer smartphones to market in 2015 as it seeks to improve profitability both at its mobile business unit and for the overall company. It will aim to have its mobile division turn a profit even if sales slide as much as 30 percent. “We’re not aiming for size or market share but better profits,” said Hiroki Totoki, Sony Mobile Communications’ new President and CEO, during an investors’ conference.
Sony has struggled of late. Despite solid reviews, its Xperia smartphone lineup has failed to deliver on sales expectations. Sony had hoped to sell 50 million smartphones during its current fiscal year. It cut that to 43 million this past summer and it now appears that it may not even meet that lowered target.
On a more positive note, it appears that Sony’s image sensor business could increase by as much as 70 percent as its sensors make their way into a growing number of smartphones including the latest Apple iPhones. Its PlayStation 4 gaming console could also help the company’s bottom line as sales continue to be strong.
Sony is not alone in announcing a smaller device portfolio next year. Samsung recently announced a very similar move. It plans to cut its smartphone lineup by as much as 30% as it looks to reverse the sharp drop in quarterly profits.
Source : Reuters