Microsoft: no plans to make own phones

Microsoft has categorically denied it plans to enter the smartphone hardware business. It remains satisfied, it insisted, with its current manufacturing partners.

Following the announcement of Microsoft Surface, the company's own-brand entry into the tablet market, speculation has been rife that it make the obvious next step and release its own smartphone too.

When asked about such a move, though, the firm insisted there were no plans for a Microsoft smartphone whatsoever, Information Week reports.

"We have a strong ecosystem of partners that we are very satisfied with," said Greg Sullivan, head of Windows Phone marketing.

HTC, Nokia and Samsung are all said to be prepping Windows Phone 8 devices.

Dell's Windows 8 tablet plans leaked last month, but maybe they weren't enough to keep Microsoft's satisfaction levels high.

With faith lost in HTC's ability to sell slates, Redmond decided to take matters into its own hands. A process it obviously feels unnecessary in the smartphone domain. ®