Sony Ericsson

Definition

Sony Ericsson was a joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson that combined the expertise of both companies in telecommunications and consumer electronics. Launched in 2001, this partnership aimed to leverage Sony's strengths in audio-visual technology and Ericsson's leadership in mobile communications to create innovative mobile devices, especially mobile phones. The collaboration brought forth iconic products but eventually dissolved in 2012, with Sony acquiring full ownership of the brand.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sony Ericsson was formed in 2001, combining Sony's consumer electronics expertise with Ericsson's telecommunications technology.
2. The joint venture produced some of the first smartphones with advanced multimedia features, significantly impacting the mobile phone market.
3. In 2012, Sony acquired Ericsson's stake in the joint venture, fully integrating the brand into its portfolio and rebranding as Sony Mobile Communications.
4. Some popular models from Sony Ericsson include the Walkman series and the Cyber-shot series, known for their music and camera capabilities respectively.
5. The partnership allowed for significant innovations in mobile technology during its run, contributing to advancements in camera quality and music playback in mobile devices.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the partnership between Sony and Ericsson influenced the development of mobile technology during the early 2000s.
  • The collaboration between Sony and Ericsson significantly advanced mobile technology by merging their respective strengths. Sony contributed its expertise in audio-visual technology, leading to the creation of phones with superior sound quality and multimedia features. Meanwhile, Ericsson's knowledge in telecommunications enabled the production of reliable mobile devices. This combination resulted in innovative smartphones that set new standards for features like music playback and camera quality, shaping user expectations in the market.
• Evaluate the impact of Sony Ericsson's innovations on consumer preferences in the mobile phone market.
  • Sony Ericsson's innovations transformed consumer preferences by prioritizing multimedia capabilities in mobile phones. Their devices often featured advanced cameras and superior audio quality, which attracted users who valued these functionalities. As smartphones began to dominate the market, consumers increasingly sought devices that could seamlessly integrate entertainment features, a trend that was spearheaded by Sony Ericsson's offerings. This shift in consumer behavior pushed other manufacturers to enhance multimedia capabilities in their devices as well.
• Analyze the reasons behind Sony's decision to acquire Ericsson's stake in the joint venture and the implications for the mobile market.
  • Sony's decision to acquire Ericsson's stake in their joint venture stemmed from a desire to consolidate its brand identity and streamline operations within its mobile division. By fully integrating Sony Ericsson into its operations, Sony aimed to leverage its brand strength and enhance its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving mobile market. This move allowed for more direct control over product development and marketing strategies, ultimately shifting focus toward building a cohesive lineup of Sony-branded smartphones. The implications included increased competition with other smartphone manufacturers and a clearer direction for future innovations within Sony Mobile Communications.

Related terms

Joint Venture: A business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific project or business activity, sharing both profits and risks.

Smartphone: A mobile phone that includes advanced features such as internet connectivity, applications, and touchscreens, merging the capabilities of a phone and a computer.

Consumer Electronics: Devices intended for everyday use by consumers, including smartphones, televisions, and home appliances.