Sony and Microsoft have announced that both companies will be collaborating in the development of cloud-based solutions in Microsoft Azure,, as they look for ways to support both their game and streaming services; in what's likely to be the most out of left field team up we'll be seeing this year.
According to the statement released by Sony and Microsoft, this collaboration aims to enhance the experience that customers have in regards to gaming and entertainment in general, as well as focusing on building new and better development platforms for content creators.
The collaboration also seeks to benefit both parties involved in the areas of semiconductors and AI, hoping to develop new intelligent image sensor solutions. All of this is expected to be done by having Sony provide their image sensors to help with Microsoft's Azure AI technology; once again, as a way to offer enhanced cloud capabilities for customers.
As stated by President and CEO of Sony, Kenichiro Yoshida, "Sony is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. We collaborate closely with a multitude of content creators that capture the imagination of people around the world, and through our cutting-edge technology, we provide the tools to bring their dreams and vision to reality."
Yoshida also adds that "PlayStation® itself came about through the integration of creativity and technology. Our mission is to seamlessly evolve this platform as one that continues to deliver the best and most immersive entertainment experiences, together with a cloud environment that ensures the best possible experience, anytime, anywhere."
Mentioning that both Microsoft and Sony have been competing companies in the past, they have still have mutual respect for each other and know that Microsoft has always been a key business partner for them, explained Yoshida.
"For many years, 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. Additionally, I hope that in the areas of semiconductors and AI, leveraging each company’s cutting-edge technology in a mutually complementary way will lead to the creation of new value for society."
According to CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, this new partnership with Sony comes from their desire to build and innovate by mutually benefitting from collaborating with a company that has always been a leader in entertainment and technology.
"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."
This new collaboration, as both parties have already mentioned, seeks to benefit us, the consumer, in the long run. Both companies understand their strengths, and the fact that they are willing to team up after years of competing against each other is definitely a sign of better things to come.