When you think of cutting-edge smartphones, one of the last names that would come to mind is Sony Ericsson. Against mobile rivals like Apple, Samsung, Motorola or HTC, they don't stand a chance. But that's what happens when you have two different-minded companies trying to come together to effectively operate a company.
Frustrations have said to have been mounting for a long time between Sony and Ericsson. Dating all the way back to 2005, when Sony was pushing for a PlayStation phone, but Ericsson was reluctant.
Now, the consumer electronics giant is looking to make a name for itself in the mobile market, as well as further integrate connectivity with other Sony gadgets. But to do so, they're going to have to cut the dead weight.
The Wall Street Journal reports that a deal is near closing that would have Sony paying anywhere between $1.3 and $1.7 billion dollars to Ericsson for their shares and patents.
While the news doesn't link to anything related to gaming, with Sony's recent push for PlayStation certified mobile devices, the Xperia PLAY, PlayStation Suite, and their upcoming tablets, we can't help but think of all of the ways Sony could use this move to push the PlayStation brand and Sony Network Services like PSN, Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited.
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