Very dark times might be approaching us soon.
According to various German news sources, Sony is going to leave the handheld market. Instead the company would strengthen its business on Notebooks and PCs, it is said.
The first time I heard about these speculations was a few weeks ago in a Brighthand
article.
Considering that Clie sales per unit decreased by a massive 38.8% in the first quarter this year (Q1 2004 - 230,666, Q1 2003- 376,909, estimates by Gartner), it is plausible that Sony might try to change its strategy and find other, more lucrative markets.
I am not sure what, if this rumor turns out true, it would mean to the PalmOS handheld world. Could Palm even stand a tiny little chance against big and evil PPC without a strong licensee-partner like Sony?
Supposedly, Sony will come out with an official press release next week.