Verizon, for its part, seems to have confirmed its Windows Phone plans in an interview with the Wall Street Journal last week.

FORBES: Nokia Close To A Verizon Deal As Lumia WP8 Launch Nears

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Microsoft also is planning price breaks for its Windows and Office software as part of a strategy to spur lower-cost touch-screen devices enabled by its Windows software.

WSJ: Microsoft Plans 7-Inch Tablet