Microsoft reportedly talking to Sony about Windows Phone launch in 2014

Microsoft only has a few key Windows Phone partners under its belt, but it may be expanding the ecosystem very shortly -- The Information hears from sources that Redmond is once again in talks to launch a Sony-made Windows Phone. While there's no guarantee of a deal, the partnership could introduce a handset as soon as mid-2014. The device may even carry the VAIO badge, and it could serve as a vehicle for Sony's Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited services. Even if the discussions fall apart, Microsoft may have more hardware manufacturers lined up. Tipsters claim that the company wants to renew ZTE's interest in Windows Phone, and it could be willing to cut or even waive the OS licensing fees that frequently drive potential allies toward Android. Neither side has confirmed the talks, and Sony will only say that it "continues to assess" Windows when it's relevant. Still, there's now a chance that the Xperia X2 will finally get a sequel.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/31/microsoft-reportedly-courting-sony-for-windows-phone/
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the Great War only exist in the minds of the Fanboys...

Hmmm.... I quite like Windows phones, but I don't think it's such a good idea with my Gmail, Gcal etc accounts

But my XPERIA S is near death and I'll almost certainly be buying whatever new flagship Sony announce at CES or MWC in Jan or Feb

But I reckon if this does happen it'll probably take longer than that. There have been rumours about one of these for years, I'm still not convinced it will actually happen. Sony need to spend their money on cracking the US

I think with the help of MS Sony can do that with their phones... Placing Sony and WP as an powerfull alternative to Samsung and Android..
now the question will be how MS will push their own phones now that they bought that part from Nokia..

Damned! I was about to post this :P

anyways, here is some additional information from http://seekingalpha.com

• The Information reports Sony (SNE -0.1%), which (like many OEMs) has focused its smartphone efforts on building Android hardware, is thinking of launching a Windows Phone (MSFT +0.1%) as soon as mid-2014.
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• The site also reports Microsoft, hungry to expand Windows Phone's OEM support, is "making new moves" to win over ZTE (ZTCOY) and other vendors, such as slashing licensing fees. The Verge reported three weeks ago Microsoft is thinking of offering Windows Phone and RT for free, and monetizing the platforms via ads/services.
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• Microsoft's pending acquisition of Nokia's phone business has fueled concerns third parties will now be reluctant to license WP, particularly since Nokia is the market's dominant player. AdDuplex just estimated Nokia hardware accounts for 92.1% of the WP installed base. But OEM concerns about becoming too dependent on Google could leave Microsoft with an opening.
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• Though IDC estimates WP only had a 3.6% Q3 global smartphone unit share, Kantar Worldpanel believes the OS is faring much better in Europe, assigning it a double-digit share within the EU5. That might be of interest to Sony, whose smartphone ops depend heavily on European and Japanese sales.

Huh. Sounds odd considering that they are going to buy Nokia. but it seems like a great decision for Sony. Not to sure what to make of this.

This is obviously Microsoft trying to bankrupt Sony even faster so it can rule the console market.

Overpriced laptop with a overpriced phone, damn!!! Maybe MS really is trying to get rid of Sony (From My Experience)

If Sony is stupid enough to let it happen then they deserve it lol.

They could do that, but their are kind of competitor in many ways. I also think it's very unlikely that Sony would go WP8 only, which M$ might require if they are going to give advertising backing