I genuinely think if Sony offered a Linux phone and didn't lock it down too bad, they could serve as the catalyst for the whole market. I don't think I would trust any other company at this point to execute the platonic "Linux phone" we need. The uncompromising vision on building a fantastic product for the technically minded make them an obvious choice.
I get the impression they shut it down, but Sony had/have the Xperia Open Devices program. They were close to having their devices running purely on the mainline Linux kernel:
https://developer.sony.com/open-source
Sony tries out so many different types of products too across their entire lineup. They have made some memorable handhelds over the years, even their eink readers were special.
True. Sony is a conglomerate, which explains their business strategy. Lots of divisions and groups operate independently and have little coordination.
They also pulled a bait-and-switch with Linux on PS3...
No doubt.
I was referring more to their variety of electronics in so many areas.