Microsoft has reportedly found a new hardware partner for its Windows Phone mobile platform in Sony and the latter is likely to release at least one smartphone in mid-2014.
According to reports on TheInformation.com, Microsoft and Sony have had multiple discussions already and have designed prototypes for a potential smartphone, but branding hasn’t been decided yet.
Nokia has been the largest Windows Phone hardware partner till date and despite its acquisition, Microsoft and Sony have reportedly gone ahead with the plans. The deal hasn’t been finalized yet as both the sides are yet to negotiate on licensing fees and preloaded software agreements.
The report also notes that ZTE Corporation is also negotiating with Microsoft for a Windows Phone device. ZTE will most likely launch low-end budget friendly Windows Phone smartphones for Europe, China and US.
This isn’t the first time Sony has been trying to dish out Windows Phone powered handsets as the company built a prototype that run Windows Phone 7 however, that didn’t work out. Further, back in 2009 Sony actually released a couple of Windows Mobile devices dubbed Xperia X1 and Xperia X2.
The news follows earlier reports of Nokia’s intentions of releasing an Android powered smartphone dubbed Normandy. If the reports about Nokia’s Android initiative are correct, we could possibly see Nokia launching the device at either CES or MWC 2014.
