Despite releasing some nice Android hardware, like the recent Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact, Sony hasn’t been able to gain any real traction in the mobile market. Today Sony revealed how it plans to respond.
In its announcement of its corporate strategy for FY2015-FY2017 (March 2016-March 2018), Sony said that its Mobile Communications business is in a highly volatile market that’s chock cull of competition. As a result, Sony plans to reduce risk and gain profits by adding value to its products with its in-house tech and components. Sony also plans to carefully choose the markets and product areas that it targets.
Sony says that it’s considering plans that include other companies, such as possible alliances with other mobile companies. Sony CEO Kaz Hirai also explained that straight-up leaving the mobile arena is an option, telling reporters that he won’t “rule out considering an exit strategy.”
As I said before, Sony’s made some quality smartphone hardware, but it’s been unable to gain meaningful marketshare. In markets like China, we’re seeing companies like Xiaomi flourish thanks to low-cost Android hardware, and in the U.S., Sony hasn’t been able to get its flagship phones on all of the major carriers like its competition has. It’d be a bummer to see Sony exit mobile, if only because there’d be less competition, so hopefully the company can figure something out.
What do you think Sony should do to improve its mobile business?