It would be no overstatement to say that Microsoft and Sony are rivals in tech.
Even so, the two companies famous for their Xbox and Playstation platforms have decided to enter a strategic partnership with one another on May 16th.
Collaborate and Compete
Along with Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have become the biggest names in the gaming industry.
But, recently, with the spread of and introduction of new game platforms and services such as Steam, and the recent annoucnements of Google's "Stadia" and Apple's "Apple Arcade", the two companies will cooperate and go against the newcomers to the gamin industry.
Azure based Cloud Service
The two companies are expected to jointly develop a cloud solution for their respective game streaming services.
The platform will be based on Microsoft's Azure service, and the companies are also considering building a platform for developers.
The companies are also considering a joint solution involving Microsoft's Azure AI technology and Sony's industry leading image sensors.
More Details to Come
As more information is released in regards to the new partnership between these two tech giants, we'll be sure to keep you updated!
We're definitely in store for big news in the future from Microsoft and Sony, so stay tuned!
CEO's comment
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.
Sony has always been a leader in both entertainment and technology, and the collaboration we announced today builds on this history of innovation," said Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. "Our partnership brings the power of Azure and Azure AI to Sony to deliver new gaming and entertainment experiences for customers.
Sony and Microsoft to explore strategic partnership
Kenichiro Yoshida, CEO of Sony
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, provide the tools to bring their dreams and vision to reality," said Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO, Sony. "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. 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.
Sony and Microsoft to explore strategic partnership
