Sony looking into Windows Phone 8?

On the heels of presenting some nice Android based hardware at IFA 2012, Sony will be beginning discussions with Microsoft to discuss the possibility of adding Windows Phone 8 to their portfolio.

Pierre Perron of Sony Mobile UK & Ireland told Mobile Magazine that as far as the Xperia line goes, Android is still Sony’s preferred partner.  However, they were investigating with Microsoft about “diversifying our product strategy” on the basis that Sony’s grand strategy is one of “openness.”  From a computing standpoint, it is not such a stretch, Sony’s popular VAIO laptops run on Windows, so there is already a working relationship in place. It would seem that being able to offer products that share a common platform to their customers is a good idea.

One potential fly in the ointment of such a venture is the competition that Sony would be introducing against itself. Sony has a robust plan for delivering a world of “PlayStation” to its Android based devices. Would Sony relish the idea of also delivering hardware running an OS which anchors its gaming and entertainment in Xbox?

sources: Mobile Magazine via WPCentral