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As Windows Phone tops iPhone, Sony admits it's 'in discussions' with Microsoft

Looking to expand the Sony spectrum

As Windows Phone tops iPhone, Sony admits it's 'in discussions' with Microsoft

On the back of news Windows Phone is out-shipping iPhone across 24 different territories, word suggests Sony has expressed an interest in launch its first devices running the platform.

Sony is currently an Android-only OEM, but has struggled to find space within Google's ecosystem, all too often overshadowed by Samsung and HTC.

Speaking to TechRadar, Sony Mobile Communications president Pierre Perron hinted the company is currently looking at its options.

'Sony spectrum'

"We are continuing our discussions with other partners, including Microsoft, as part of our partnership with this company on the broader Sony spectrum," Perron told the site.

"We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too."

It would certainly be an interesting pairing given the competitive nature of Sony and Microsoft's respective PlayStation and Xbox businesses, though it wouldn't be unprecedented – the Japanese giant is already a notable backer of Microsoft's Windows 8 platform.

The news comes as stats published by IDC for Q3 2013 revealed that Windows Phone is now out-shipping iPhone in multiple territories around the globe, including the likes of India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand.

World war

Also on the list is Chile, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

"We've seen record sales of Windows Phone this holiday worldwide, nearly doubling phone sales during Christmas week (YOY)," detailed a Microsoft spokesperon to The Next Web.

"In the third quarter this year, according to IDC, Windows Phone reinforced its position as a top three smartphone operating system and was the fastest-growing platform among the leading operating systems with 156 percemt year-over-year gain.

"Windows Phone is the number two smartphone operating system in 14 markets, and shipped more units than iPhone in 24 markets in Q3."


After spending years in Japan collecting game developers' business cards, Danny has returned to the UK to breed Pokemon. He spends his time championing elusive region-exclusive games while shaking his fist at the whole region-locking thing.