Sony, Verizon scrap Sony’ Xperia Z4v smartphone before launch

Sony and Verizon today jointly announced they had cancelled the Xperia Z4v today; which had been lunched in some markets as the Z3+ and in other parts as the Z4.

The joint statements read, "Verizon will no longer be launching Xperia Z4v, however we are committed to supporting Sony Mobile's product portfolio and will support existing products. Sony is a strategic partner as we continue having ongoing discussions together as part of our future portfolio," Verizon said.

"Sony Mobile and Verizon Wireless have made the decision not to introduce Xperia Z4v to the US market. Sony Mobile remains dedicated to the US market and aims to build a sound and stable business in this region. Verizon is a strategic partner as we continue having ongoing discussions together as part of our future portfolio," Sony said.

According to commentators the decision was jointly made as the Z4v had lost out in the back and forth between Verizon and Sony for too long, and now when Sony's flagship was the Z5 series, it would be embarrassing for Verizon to release a Z4.

Sony said "no announcements have been made about US availability at this time regarding the Xperia Z5 series."

The unexpected move comes as a dampener to Sony's ambitions to establish a larger foothold in the US market. Support from Verizon, the largest wireless carrier in the US, along with Sony's focus on gaming and its PlayStation 4 console connectivity was expected to improve the Japanese electronics conglomerate's appeal to US consumers.

According to Sony both companies agreed on the cancellation. "The decision was made after we have taken into consideration such factors as the competitive landscape and launch timing," said a company spokeswoman.

There had been hints of problems with the Xperia Z4v, which was a modified version of the Xperia Z4 that came with a larger battery and wireless charging. Following its initial unveiling in June, both companies chose to remain silent about the product.

At a Sony event held in New York over the summer, the spotlight was on PlayStation, Sony's virtual reality system, and other products like cameras, while the Xperia Z4v was displayed at a single small area.