Samsung is apparently readying a smartphone using the recently announced Windows Phone 8.1 platform, as it launched another Microsoft-powered device with Verizon Wireless.

According to SamMobile, the South Korean company is working on a device called ATIV Core, a mid-range smartphone that will use the latest version of the Windows Phone platform. Rumoured specifications include a 4.5-inch 720p screen and either 8MP or 13MP camera.

Last week, US number one operator Verizon Wireless began taking orders for ATIV SE (pictured), a higher-spec device powered by Windows Phone 8. No reference has been made to a potential WP8.1 update, despite the device being announced shortly after the most recent Microsoft press event.

ATIV SE has a 5-inch full HD screen and 13MP main camera. It is powered by a 2.3GHz quadcore processor and includes LTE connectivity.

The latest activity is significant, in that the global handset number one has previously had a muted relationship with Windows Phone – it has offered devices, but the platform has not achieved much support among the Android-focused vendor’s portfolio.

While one confirmed device and one reported hardly represents a significant change of heart, it does at least indicate a continued engagement with the platform by the most important global handset vendor.

With Microsoft set to complete its acquisition of the bulk of the Devices & Services unit of Nokia, the attitude of other vendors to the platform will be important to see. While Microsoft has done a good job in bolstering its Windows Phone vendor portfolio in recent months, it has not seen much engagement from the tier-one players.

And while Nokia held its most recent launch in line with Microsoft’s Build 2014 developer event, the debut of ATIV SE was a much more low-key affair.