With Microsoft's takeover of Nokia's devices business now more or less a done deal, questions are being raised about whether other manufacturers will continue to support the Windows Phone platform. At last count, Nokia's Lumia range accounted for an astonishing 90% of all Windows Phone sales, leading some to speculate that Microsoft's other hardware partners will turn their backs on it entirely, leaving the company to go it alone against rival smartphone platforms.

HTC, Huawei and Samsung were the first to join the company's 'rebooted' Windows Phone 8 offering, and they remain the only other manufacturers besides Nokia to offer WP handsets. Huawei recently launched itsAscend W2, but neither HTC nor Samsung have yet revealed firm plans for future devices with Microsoft's mobile OS. 

While HTC's plans remain unclear, Mobile Review's Eldar Murtazin today revealed some information hinting that Samsung may yet remain a Windows Phone partner: 

Eldar Murtazin @eldarmurtazin Follow Another "good" news from Microsoft - company negotiate with Samsung and offer 1 billion support if vendor will produce Windows Phone devices

The suggestion that Microsoft may be offering a billion (dollars, we presume) to Samsung for its continued commitment to Windows Phone is significant, but not entirely without precedent. When Nokia joined the Windows Phone ecosystem, part of that deal included "platform support payments" of $250m per quarter - $1bn a year - from Microsoft as the Finnish company made its transition to WP.

Given the immense success that Samsung has seen with Android - and the negligible sales of its Windows Phone devices in comparison - the company has little motivation to continue investing in Windows Phone on the face of it. Against this backdrop, it would make sense that Samsung would be seeking some form of incentive from Microsoft to maintain its involvement in the platform, but at this stage, we only have Murtazin's word to go on. 

Intriguingly, this report follows comments made a few weeks ago by ZTE executive vice-president He Shiyou, who confirmed that his company - which previously manufactured Windows Phone 7 devices - would be returning to the platform with new devices next year. According to He, Microsoft executives visited ZTE, saying that the company is keen to "maintain a wide network of handset makers rather than simply make its own Windows phones." More significantly, He also mentioned that Microsoft had offered certain assurances and "clarifications" regarding the support that it will offer Windows Phone partners once the Nokia deal is completed. 

http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-reportedly-offers-1bn-to-samsung-for-future-windows-phones

The more manufacturers the better. But damn, Nokia make some sexy phones so if the others want to compete they'll have to up the game on the aesthetic front, as there is no real difference between them hardware wise.

Take the money Samsung but promote your own OS.

That would be cool to see some more Windows Phones out there. I was considering picking up a Nokia yesterday, but the only one I saw was a 1020... and I didnt feel like paying $600 for a phone so I just got another android phone :/

The Ativ S looked quite nice (albeit identical to S3), plus it's micro SD slot which Nokia doesnt include on their high end phones made it attractive. If Samsung makes a Snapdragon 800 based WP8 device with micro SD expansion... I may have to pick one up. Take the offer Samsung... do it.

But that wouldn't do them any good since they'd have to give the money back...

OT: Whilst it would be great for more phone makers to start making Windows Phones I probably wouldn't ever buy from Samsung again as far as phones are concerned because my experience with the SIII has been terrible and everyone I know that has an SIII has problems with it (I'm counting the days until I can get out of my contract).

w w wait...
MS is offering Samsung money to make Samsung buy MS products for money?+artificially creating competition for their own Nokia business?That#s very strange as microsofts strategy in the past 3 decades was to destroy competition wherever they could.
Smells strange...

Samsung should better insist to be freed from license payments towards MS instead of taking the money
This would be a good deal for them.

Temporary vs permanent incentive. The $1bn will go away if/when WP takes hold but license reductions could never be reversed.

Good ol M$, always throwing money at things and hoping for the best.

Samsung launches HD TV with Microsoft's Xbox 360. Then Microsoft had Nokia make phones, buys Nokia. So this is proof, Microsoft is getting ready to buy Samsung!

(teasing)

Actually it makes since to have the world's largest phone manufacture make your phones. I have had a couple of samsungs over the years, but found Nokia's better quality. Plus Samsung makes many of the parts for the iphone too.

ROFL.

Microsoft make more than that from Android in a year.

Makes perfect sense. Here Samsung have 1 Billon back if you promote WP8 through the roof. Very good move from MS.