Samsung has announced an agreement to use the Windows Phone 7 platform and related application software as a key component of the Samsung smartphone portfolio.

The announcement marks Samsung's long term commitment to including Windows Phone 7 devices in its smartphone portfolio. Samsung plans to launch several Windows Phone 7 devices this year in Europe, the US, and Asia.

Simon Stanford, Head of Mobile, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "The addition of Windows Phone 7 devices to Samsung's smartphone portfolio is a significant milestone. Samsung's new Windows Phone 7 based smartphones will play a key role in reinforcing Samsung's leadership in the smartphone market and commitment to providing a range of devices across a variety of platforms."

Samsung's Windows Phone 7 smartphones will combine the latest hardware design and technology, while benefitting from Microsoft's software and innovation heritage. The Windows Phone 7 experience is designed to help people find and consume the data, information and services they care most about. The new phones are distinguished by unique and diverse experiences built from Microsoft's portfolio such as Xbox LIVE, Office, Zune, Windows Live, Bing, and more.