In what can only be described as a statement of intent to its competitors in Sony’s attempt to become a bigger player in the smart phone market, sources in Sony Mobile’s supply chain have indicated that it wants to ship 65 million smartphones in the next fiscal year (April 2014-March 2015), which is an increase of 55% from the current fiscal years projected target of 42 million units, according to Digitimes.
In addition to offering new mid to high-end Xperia smartphones based on Qualcomm’s chipsets, Sony Mobile will be offering cheaper MediaTek based models. Sony will also be diversifying its range by releasing its first Firefox OS based smart phone to emerging markets and the fiercely contested low to mid-range portion of the smart phone market.
The following Taiwan-based original design manufacturers (ODM) are expected to take orders for 2-4 models in the next fiscal year; Arima Communications, Compal Communications and Foxconn/FIH Mobile, resulting in a 50% growth in orders from the Japanese tech giant.
Sony recently announced a $35 million profit for the first quarter which ended June 30, powered by its mobile division, aided by a weaker Yen, a significant increase in smart phone sales as well as an increased average selling price for its handsets. Sales increased 36.2% year-on-year. The Mobile division was Sony’s biggest source of income after its insurance business.
With Sony planning to expand its PlayStation Mobile software along with the forth-coming launch of its Playstation 4, the recent release of the Xperia Z1, Z Ultra as well as the rumoured follow-up Z2 to be announced in early 2014, Sony could be creating demand for its entire product ecosystem, thus encouraging further growth of its Mobile division in order to become the world’s third-biggest maker of smartphones.
Sony Mobile appears to be upping its game, giving increased competition to the likes of Samsung and HTC, which can only result in giving better options to you, the consumer.