Rumours that Sony would release a Windows Phone device have surfaced on a regular basis. They go back to July 2010 and Windows Phone 7 and most recently popped up again this year in early January following confirmation that Sony was talking to Microsoft about potentially using Windows Phone 8 for devices to launch in mid-2014. A tweet yesterday by The Verge senior editor Tom Warren has reignited rumours that Sony Windows Phone smartphones are coming later this year.
When Sony confirmed talks with Microsoft, Pierre Perron, head of Sony Mobile Europe, explained that, “We don’t want to be a single OS manufacturer, I don’t think it’s a viable position in the long term.”
According to Warren, Sony could launch “a couple” of Windows Phone devices. This echoes a report from January that suggested that Sony would launch at least two such smartphones and was considering even more. No details are provided about these devices but they will presumably come with Windows Phone 8.1 which Microsoft announced last week at Build 2014.
Two GDR updates planned for Windows Phone 8.1. The first arrives by July for new devices. Perhaps a couple of Sony ones. The next is October
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) April 7, 2014
Earlier reports that a Sony Windows Phone device would launch under the Vaio brand now appear unlikely. Sony sold off its VAIO PC business to Japan Industrial Partners back in February and the deal presumably includes the brand name.
Warren also suggests that Microsoft is planning two GDR (General Distribution Release) updates for Windows Phone 8.1. The first is set for July with the second to follow in October.
Sources : @tomwarren // WMPoweruser