It’s no secret that despite making some nice devices, Sony has been struggling in the mobile phone space. This has led to severe problems within the rest of the company. This saw a new tack being taken by Sony with the launch of the Xperia X series. Ostensibly, this a more rational line that showcases fewer devices but is able to display the “best of Sony”. However the reality has been that the reviews for these devices has been lacklustre.
But it seems that the strategy may be paying off. Today’s financial report by Sony shows a modest $205 million (¥21.2 billion) operating profit. That’s down from the $780 million (¥84.2 billion) recorded during the same period last year. On the mobile front, the mobile unit saw a 33% decrease in sales, with the division netting revenue of $1.8 billion (¥185 billion). But (presumably due to the streamlining of their device portfolio), the mobile business turned in a modest profit of $4 million (¥400 million). Bear in mind that last year, the mobile unit recorded a $188 million loss, so the latter financials are very good news.
Is Sony starting the slow road to recovery, or is this the last gasp before an inevitable death? Let us know in the comments.