14 DAY TRIAL // Japanese handset vendor Sony Mobile might soon expand its Xperia series of devices beyond Google’s Android platform, the latest reports on the matter suggest.
The mobile phone maker did have Windows Mobile phones included in the series a few years ago, but it has since focused solely on the building of devices that are powered by the Android OS.
However, it seems that the vendor might also be considering new means to expand its offering, and that Windows Phone-based smartphones could be included in its plans.
Last month, the company went to the IFA 2012 trade show in Berlin to launch its latest Xperia devices, including the high-end Xperia T that will arrive at wireless carrier O2 UK in a limited, exclusive “Bond” flavor.
Sony Mobile’s UK & Ireland MD Pierre Perron was present at the show, and confirmed to mobiletoday.co.uk that a Windows Phone-powered handset might be included in the company’s offering at some point in the future.
“Sony’s strategy is one of openness. Microsoft is a Sony partner with the likes of our VAIO laptops and it’s integrated onto our tablets,” Perron reportedly stated.
“As far as Xperia smartphones go, Android remains the preferred partner, although Sony is not a single partner company. We are currently investigating with the likes of Microsoft the possibility of diversifying our product strategy.”
Sony Mobile has had a difficult time this year, he said, especially since the brand has just taken over Sony Ericsson and needed time to prove that it can deliver.
Moving forth, the company will focus on launching appealing, quality products, while trying to bring together its mobiles, tablets and televisions.
All devices will feature capabilities such as near field communication (NFC) One Touch so that users can easily connect them to share content from one another and the like without having to use technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.