There is speculation that Verizon Wireless (Quote, Company Info) and Sprint PCS are mobile vendors that may market the Hitachi and Samsung products based on the Microsoft standard, but the companies have yet to comment on their plans.

Hitachi and Samsung are the latest manufacturers to back the Microsoft standard for advanced mobile devices. High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) is already out with one handset based on the Windows Smartphone 2002. HTC is working with Orange SA, which in November of 2002 rolled out its SPV (sound, pictures, video) device that is currently available in Europe. HTC is expected to come out with a second handset during the first quarter of 2002 that will be launched on Deutsche Telekom AG's T-Mobile International network. The new HTC smart phones will be based on the GSM/GPRS standards.

Microsoft will be looking to sign deals with other wireless handset manufacturers. Currently, Microsoft partners for its smartphone operating system include HTC, Compal Communications, Samsung Electronics, Asustek Computer and MiTac Group.

While Microsoft continues to ink deals with handset manufacturers, its smart phone strategy was dealt a blow recently when Sendo, in a 27-page filing in a Texas court, sued Microsoft for leaking details about its strategy to its competitors. Sendo dropped plans to roll out its Z100 Stinger phone, and instead of working with Microsoft has decided to work with Nokia in the future.