Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) will now be Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)’s Xperia Z3v’s official wireless carrier – it can prove to be an alliance that may give many rivals something to think about. Xperia Z3v is Sony’s flagship Xperia Z3’s customized upgrade.

The announcement came today (Thursday) by Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) that its smartphone Xperia Z3v will exclusively be partnered up with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).

This alliance could breathe a new life into Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)’s smartphone sales. The company so far has not been able to make a mark in the US market for smartphones, which is currently dominated by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s powerful name behind the flagship smartphone by Sony could make it a serious contender for the smartphone market share.

The upgraded Xperia Z3v showcases some noteworthy features that include a display screen of 5.2 inches, which is in line with the current trend of bigger screen sizes. The smartphone is waterproof and comes with a camera of 20.7 megapixels – a feature that could help the sales tremendously. Another great feature offered by the phone is its ability to connect to Dual-Shock controller of PlayStation, which will allow users to play PS 4’s games. Xperia Z3v’s outlook is slightly different than Z3; it looks more like its older version Xperia Z2. The expected launch date for the smartphone is October 23^rd with an expected cost of $199 if bought with a Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) contract.

Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) is primarily known for its gaming consoles PlayStation and television sets, even though the company has produced a successful line of laptops and other gadgets, but it has failed to create a niche for itself in the current smartphone market. The company unveiled its Xperia Z3v at IFA Trade Show that was held last month.Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) hopes to change its fate with its high-profile partnership with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).

Just last month Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) announced that the company was looking at a $2.1 billion loss for its latest fiscal year; the main contributor to this loss is the charge worth $1.67 billion to write off the company’s dwindling smartphone unit. However despite this loss it seems highly unlikely that the company will venture out of its smartphone business anytime soon and with the latest Verizon partnership it has every reason not to.

Before its partnership with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), Sony’s only wireless carrier was T-Mobile (NYSE:PCS) – company’s only support in the US smartphone market. However Verizon had also been a seller of one of Sony’s tablets. It is believed that Xperia Z3v may also be offered through T-Mobile (NYSE:PCS); but there has not been anything conclusive on this front. Back in 2012 Sony was able to strike a deal with AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), which had to be discontinued because of poor user response.

Despite the current deal, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) has its work cut out because Apple, Samsung, Motorola, HTC and LG are among the top five brands in the US currently and they are going strong.

Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) opened at the stock market today at a value of $17.39.

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