Digitimes: Sony Ericsson has "Windows Phone 7 devices … in the pipeline"

January 21, 2011 | By Surur

xperiax72 We have heard recently that Sony Ericsson has not decided yet whether to support Microsoft’s new mobile OS.

It seems that decision may have been made, with Digitimes reporting that, beyond the company’s Android focus, they are also in the process of developing a Windows phone 7 handset.

They write:

With good news from Sony Ericsson, Taiwan handset and component makers are now more confident with orders from the phone vendor. Sony Ericsson products in 2011 will have an entertainment theme, and will mainly support Android but Windows Phone 7 (WP7) devices are also in the pipeline, according to sources from Taiwan-based handset makers. Sony Ericsson will leverage Sony’s technological resources and brand equity in the Bravia TV series and PSP game console to create new selling points for its handsets, the sources noted.

Sony Ericsson was famously one of the announced launch partners at Mobile World Congress 2010, but has so far sat out the launch cycle. The company has however said they would release a Windows phone 7 handset in 2011, and if we believe the Digitimes rumour it may already be in the works

Read more of our Sony Ericsson coverage here.

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged rumour, sony ericsson, windows phone 7

lkl

Now this is fantastic news and I hope this might be the flagship phone that everyone is talking about thru out the year. WP7 needs this and the updates to be timely.
efjay

Dont expect this till 2012 and to be sporting the absolutely minimum spec. Wouldnt be surprised if its actually cancelled if their psp android phone takes off.

BCH

Paul Thurrott got you down, efjay?

PaddyParker

I think handset manufactures are starting to realize they are in trouble with Android. Check out engdagets article just posted about the obvious copying of code: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/oops-android-c…

Alan Strangis

I just read that too… that could be a major blow for Android. If there's that much copied code in the OS, then either Oracle is going to get a huge settlement, or they'll call for an injunction of Android phone/tablet sales.

PaddyParker

Either way I suspect the cost advantage for Android will be gone soon. Which means WP7 and Android will be on a level playing field in terms of costs leaving features and ease of use as the differentiating factor which I think Microsoft can win.

Ram

actually the cost advantage of Android is very minimal at this point. Makers/carriers have to pay for Google Apps, which are must, that would be transferred to end user like you and I. Also Microsoft supports maker with tools like Platform Builder and other stuff, where as Google just hands over the code and some open source forum for support. If maker needs more than that, they have to hire "somebody", it could be as expensive as Google Engineer or some open source hack.

Hatorade

SONY was once a consumer leader but their overpriced gadgets and proprietory BS (dont get me started with Sony Memory Sticks) has left them behind in almost all the markets so I dont see Sony/Ericsson as a game changer. Samsung kicked their asses in the TV market and is well on track to kick their BS in the smartphone market.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=712224804 Brandon Hanchett

Think of it: XBox and Playstation living on the same device. With the same slide out controls from the Sony Play for the PS games (which would have it's own proprietary hub and store). May not be happening, but it's a huge selling point if you own both consoles.
002

Here's your chance Sony…
Dont half-arse it and I can tell you now that it'll be a top selling WP7 phone.
- Microsoft's commitment to updating its OS.
- Sony's gorgeous handsets.
- ?
- PROFIT!
xma1e

Having something similar to Xbox for Playstaion users would be great. I play games on my WP7, but have no plans for an actual Xbox, I already have a PS3.

I think a few people are going to back track, on a few things Wp7, it makes no sense for any manufacturer to put all the eggs in one OS basket.