Microsoft Monday introduced revised versions of its smart phone software to be compatible with CDMA wireless networks. The move is part of Microsoft's strategy to hook up with a variety of intelligent mobile device manufacturers and wireless carriers expected to rollout new services in the U.S later this year.

Microsoft has inked a deal to license its revised software for handheld devices to Japan's Hitachi Ltd. Hitachi will make a new combined handheld computer and mobile phone to be unveiled this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The product, known as the Hitachi Multimedia Communicator NC1 Pocket PC, has a digital camera and keyboard built into the device.

Samsung is also developing a combined handheld phone-computer device that will be based on Microsoft's new version of its Pocket PC software. The Samsung product, dubbed the i700, also features an integrated digital camera.

CDMA, short for Code Division Multiple Access technology, is currently being used by close to 100 million wireless phone users in the United States. Microsoft's backing of CDMA for combined mobile phone and computer devices marks a direct challenge to Nokia , backer of Symbian, a wireless operating system capable of handling both CDMA and GSM, Global System for Mobile Communications. Palm is also a competitor in the wireless operating system market.

Microsoft is making a major push into the market for mobile devices that combine a fully-featured wireless phone with a variety of computer applications available on PDA, or personal digital assistant products.