According to sources with TheInformation.com, Sony may become the next major Microsoft MSFT -0.67% Windows Phone hardware partner in 2014. Sony has been building Google GOOG -0.66% Android smartphones for the last four years so this would be quite a change in direction. Rumor has it, Microsoft and Sony have already designed prototypes for the potential smartphone and have had numerous discussions. It is unknown whether Sony’s Windows Phone smartphone would fall under the Xperia or Vaio brand.
Nokia has been the largest Windows Phone hardware partner thus far. This is why Microsoft acquired Nokia’s devices and service businesses this past September for $7.2 billion. Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia has not deterred Sony from holding the Windows Phone discussions. The talks carried on even after the acquisition announcement was made. The deal is not yet finalized as the two companies still have to negotiate licensing fees and preloaded software agreements.
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