No, you don’t need to clean off your glasses, you read the headline right. Sony and Microsoft have announced a joint partnership to create “new innovations” that will “enhance customer experiences” in AI solutions and entertainment platforms. The two rival companies have agreed to explore joint development of future cloud solutions for their respective platforms and streaming services using the Microsoft Azure platform.
If you’re not familiar with Microsoft Azure, it is a cloud computing platform that provides various cloud-based services like analytics, storage, and networking. Basically, Microsoft will be allowing Sony to use its Azure service, and the two companies will be putting their brains and technology together in an effort to better support their “respective game and content-streaming services.”
Sony and Microsoft will also be working together to explore the future of semiconductors and AI. For semiconductors specifically, the two companies will be trying to develop a new intelligent image sensor solution. The companies believe that by combining Sony’s image sensor technology with Microsoft’s Azure platform, they can create something that is mutually beneficial to both of them.
In terms of AI, both companies believe that by combining Microsoft’s “advanced AI platform and tools in Sony consumer products,” they can create a more user-friendly and intuitive AI experience.
Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said, “Our mission is to seamlessly evolve this platform as one that continues to deliver the best and most immersive entertainment experiences.” He continued, saying “Microsoft has been a key business partner for us, though of course, the two companies have also been competing in some areas. I believe that our joint development of future cloud solutions will contribute greatly to the advancement of interactive content.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that “Sony has always been a leader in both entertainment and technology, and the collaboration we announced today builds on this history of innovation. Our partnership brings the power of Azure and Azure AI to Sony to deliver new gaming and entertainment experiences for customers.”
Historically speaking, Sony and Microsoft have gone together about as well as Tom and Jerry, so it should be interesting to see what comes of this new joint partnership. The two rivals promise to share more information on the collaboration as it becomes available.
