Following rumours that Sony Mobile could launch a Windows Phone smartphone later this year, the company confirmed that it is in fact in discussions with Microsoft over the use of its mobile operating system. Confirmation came as part of an interview between TechRadar and Pierre Perron, head of Sony Mobile Europe. “We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too. One thing is using the platform [Windows Phone] itself, and another is ‘what can we deliver on top of it’?” he explained.
Describing the discussions as “tentative at the moment,” Perron also suggested that Windows Phone could be one of several options on the table. He confirmed that Sony is also “continuing our discussions with other partners” but did not name any of them.
Perron explained that two factors are driving Sony’s decision to look beyond Android: Protecting itself should market conditions change and offering its customers a choice. “We don’t want to be a single OS manufacturer, I don’t think it’s a viable position in the long term,” added Perron.
Recent rumours have suggested that Sony Mobile could launch a Windows Phone smartphone (or even more than one) as early as mid-2014. It could partner with Compal as its ODM to keep its own R&D resources focused on its line of Android smartphones.
Source : TechRadar