Report: Sony branded Windows Phone models on the way for 2014

According to industry sources, an earlier rumor that had Japanese manufacturer Sony producing a Windows Phone model this year is true. The aforementioned sources say that while Sony will be spending its R&D money on Android and Firefox OS, it will offer Windows Phone handsets through U.S. carriers and in Japan. Microsoft is hoping to increase sales in Sony's home country as a way to expand the global share of its mobile OS.

Sony will partner with Taiwan based ODM Compal Communications for at least 1 to 2 Windows Phone models. The volume expected for those two units is only in the tens of thousands, and another 2-3 models are under discussion.

The industry sources estimae that Nokia will account for 90% of the 50 million Windows Phone 8 units expected to be sold this year. Sony will be one of a group of handset manufacturers bundled together in a category called "other," that together will account for the remaining 10% of sales.

source: DigiTimes