Verizon is pretty busy this week having talks with Apple over next-generation mobile devices and now with Microsoft about a smartphone. There is a report stating that Microsoft and Verizon are possibly thinking of launching a touch-screen multimedia cell phone on the carrier’s network early next year. The phone is possibly based on the Pink software as a combination of Windows Mobile and Zune software. Launching such a phone would give Verizon the hedge if AT&T manages to extend its exclusive deal with Apple and the iPhone.

[Cnet]