Sony considering Windows OS-based handset in 2014: reports

Sony is said to be considering offering a Windows OS based handset in mid-2014.

Though Sony has been making Android devices for years, a potential partnership with Microsoft could work out as a game changer for both companies.

According to Cnet, in the event of a deal between Sony and Microsoft actually materialisng, it would be the first time that the company would get into the Windows Phone space.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is also reaching out to  other device manufacturers in a bid to expand its PC-dominant software to the mobile phone platform.

The company has also slashed software-licensing fee to lure manufacturers.

According to TheInformation.com, Sony might become the next major Windows Phone hardware partner in 2014. 

It said, "Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system has struggled to make gains against Google and Apple. But it may soon get a shot in the arm from an old partner and rival: Sony"

According to Forbes it was rumoured that Microsoft and Sony had already designed prototypes for the potential smartphone and had had numerous discussions.

It was not known whether Sony's Windows Phone smartphone would fall under the Xperia or Vaio brand.

Nokia had been Microsoft's largest Windows Phone hardware partner thus far, which was the reason for Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's devices and service businesses this past September for $7.2 billion.

Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia did not come in the way of Sony holding the Windows Phone discussions and the talks continued even after the acquisition announcement was made. The deal had not yet been finalised as the two companies still had to negotiate licensing fees and preloaded software agreements.

Besides Sony, Microsoft was talking to Chinese telecommunications company, ZTE Corporation. The Chinese company was likely to build low-end Windows Phone smartphones in the US, Europe and China. Acer, HTC and LG are Microsoft's other smartphone hardware partners.

This would not be the first time when Sony  partnered with Microsoft on building smartphones: the company had built a prototype Windows Phone 7 powered smartphone a few years ago, the project though, was scrapped.