Sony Forges Alliance with Verizon

Troubled by the mobile market domination of Apple and Samsung, Sony needed to partner up with an influential company to find a foothold and gain some market share. Who better than Verizon, the most popular mobile operator in the U.S.?

This new partnership’s centerpiece is Sony’s tablet offering, the Xperia Z2. The device has received very positive reviews in Europe but is virtually unknown in the U.S. market, until July 10, 2014 when Verizon made it available for pre-order. If the two company’s predictions are correct, a high quality tablet will be welcomed in the market as an alternative to the iPad and Galaxy Tab.

The Xperia has received acclaim for its stellar screen quality and 4G LTE capability as well as the fact that it is waterproof and scratch-resistant. The device runs the latest Android operating system, 4.2.2 or “Kit-Kat”.

Verizon is offering an array of accessories for the Xperia, including the Sony SmartWatch 2, SmartBand, BSC10 Bluetooth speaker with a magnetic charging pad and the DK39 magnetic charging dock. To sweeten the deal even more, Verizon is including a bundle of six movies to promote the visual quality of the tablet’s 10.1’ 1,920 x 1,200 display. Pre-order customers also receive a pair of the MDR-NC31EM noise-cancelling headphones.

The incorporation of this device into Verizon’s lineup may be an indicator of more to come soon. Verizon has not sold a Sony device since 2011, but it only makes sense that they would once again offer Sony smartphones to go along with the tablet. With Verizon’s marketing prowess and enormous customer base, Sony’s high quality craftsmanship and experience in the industry, and a bit of luck, Apple and Samsung may have a third competitor among their ranks.

The Xperia Z2 is available for pre-order at a price of $599, or $499 with a two year Verizon contract.