Domain name claim teases Sony-MS partnership

Console rivals set to collaborate? Surely not!

Microsoft has allegedly registered "Microsoft-Sony.com" as well as "Sony-Microsoft.com" in a move that could mean the two giants are about to go into business together.

Then again, it could all be a practical joke.

Either way, the domains were registered this week and assigned to "Microsoft Corporation" sparking speculation that the two rivals could join hands.

Speculation has centred on a Windows Phone announcement, though Sony's handset arm, Sony Ericsson, seems content to stay with Android.

Others suggest we may be about to witness the launch of a joint-venture next-gen console, but this does seem highly unlikely. Only way to beat the Wii U, you reckon?

Considering the URL registrations are set to expire in just a year's time, the official nature of domains should be taken with a big pinch of salt. After all, it is easy to register a site as if you were someone else.

Newly registered web domains caused quite a stir earlier this week too when it was discovered that the web address www.modernwarfare3.com automatically redirected to EA's official Battlefield 3 site.

Initailly, it was alleged that EA had resorted to dirty tactics in a bid to rub muck into arch-rival Activision's popular franchise, although it was later discovered to be a "fishy beta sign up scheme" which had previously admitted its aversion to Call of Duty, Net Media Now reports.

There's a lesson to be learnt there, Activision - If there's a chance of a sequel, snap up the domain name early as possible.

As for the Microsoft and Sony collaboration, I won't hold my breath. ®