Though we’re not exactly sure what Sony Ericsson will be calling their next phone, let’s just call it the Xperia 2. We have no reason to believe that Xperia 2, expected to be released in 2009, won’t be running Windows Mobile, but we do know that HTC is no longer on their list of handset makers in final talks with Sony Ericsson.

The Digitimes reports that “Sony Ericsson is now in final talks with three handset makers, including FIH and Pegatron – the spin-off manufacturing arm of Asustek Computer – for the new smartphone project.” Also in the report: “But HTC is not among them, said the sources, adding FIH or Pegatron is the most likely candidate to win the contract. Sony Ericsson is expected to finalize details with its prospective partner in the first quarter of 2009, with an aim to launch the new Windows Mobile-enabled smartphone before year-end 2009 at the earliest.”

[via]