The buzz around the bees, the latest gossip is that Sony is planning to enter the Windows Phone market with its very own smartphone that is reportedly on track for a mid-2014 launch.
Sure the news that Microsoft is contemplating removing the licensing fees for its mobile operating system has piqued the interest of several handset makers, not just Sony. Handset makers that up until now were exclusively in the Android game.
In fact, forget one smartphone, word is that Sony may jump in with two or three Windows Phone models. ODM Compal Communications, it is said have already entered into partnership with the Japanese technology titan for the manufacture of these handsets.
As of this writing, Nokia has close to a 90 percent hold on the Windows Phone market, which essentially means Microsoft is the biggest player in this, and the other three partners (HTC, Samsung and Huawei) are practically fighting for scraps.
All three companies have their priorities at different places, for one reason or another.
Sony has, up until now, found decent if unspectacular success on the mobile front. The Sony Xperia Z1, for instance, is one of the better high-end smartphones available on the market right now, but it has failed to tear up sales records.
And this was partly due to it being powered by Android. Sure, it offered complete compatibility, but failed to offer anything on top that set it apart from other Android flagships.
Plus, being a new kid on the block is tough. The competition in the mobile market is intense. Carriers and retail outlets have their loyalties and commitments, making it hard for new players to break in.
But if Sony can try their hand at a couple of (premium and midrange) Windows Phone sets, it has every chance to stake claim as a very viable contender to the Windows Phone throne. Sony, just like Nokia in many ways, has always been known for its great hardware.
Back in the 90s, nothing stood in the way of these two companies when it comes to creating durable handsets. Instead of lowballing it with the likes of Samsung and countless other Android makers, it can opt for steady future growth by creating Windows Phone handsets.
There are times when being just another fish in a pond does not pay. 2014 may just be the year that the various mobile vendors finally understand this.
All Comments
This is good news. The only thing that would keep me from checking it out is I really won’t be able to get a brand new phone at that time, and Nokia has some nice included apps. What Microsoft should do is supplement HTC, so they can drop the 8X down to a mid-range, no contract phone maybe about $100 for than the 520.
I would love to see WP8 offered for free!