Sony still in talks with Microsoft for Windows Phone 8-based devices: Report

Sony is reportedly considering launching a Windows Phone device, in an attempt to move away from being a single operating system handset maker.

The head of Sony Mobile Europe, Pierre Perron has revealed to TechRadar that the company is looking into the possibility of offering a new mobile OS to its consumers. Perron was quoted saying, "We are continuing our discussions with other partners, including Microsoft, as part of our partnership with this company on the broader Sony spectrum."
Further, Perron also noted that working with Microsoft for the PC ecosystem has been a remarkable proposition, and that Sony would like to continue to engage with the Redmond giant.
Notably, Perron acknowledged to TechRadar that Sony has been exploring chances of working with Microsoft in mobile space and was quoted saying, "We are exploring this as part of our discussion in mobile space too. One thing is using the platform [Windows Phone] itself, and another is 'what can we deliver on top of it'?"
Unfortunately both Microsoft and Sony have been tight-lipped until now about the possibility of a Sony Windows Phone 8-based smartphone in development.
In addition, GSMArena, citing a Chinese publication, suggested that the alleged Sony Windows Phone 8-based smartphones will be launched as part of its Vaio line-up, very much in-line with our earlier reports. Sony has traditionally launched Windows-based notebooks, desktops and media centres under its Vaio branding.
An earlier report suggested that Sony tied-up with a Taiwanese company named ODM Compal Communications for one or two Windows Phone 8-based smartphone units. The report also claimed that the order volumes for the initial Windows Phone 8-based smartphones would be around ten thousand units each. In addition, the report seemingly revealed Sony's intentions to sell Windows Phone devices in the US via telecom operators, which would expand the Windows Phone ecosystem for the market.
The report further revealed that the Japanese giant and the Taiwanese company were also in talks for two or three more Windows Phone smartphone units. As of now, there has been no official word on the availability and pricing details of alleged Sony's Windows Phone-8 based smartphones.