Samsung trademarks Ativ S and Ativ Tab, hints at new family branding for Windows Phone 8?

Word is already on the street that Samsung is looking to unveil Windows hardware at the closely approaching IFA (official website), which will be held in Berlin this week (yes, we have Mobile Nation's people there for coverage, no worries). This will more than likely include Windows 8 PCs and tablets, as well as a potential Windows Phone 8 (Apollo) device or two. 

Through SamMobile we're now aware that Samsung has trademarked 'Ativ', which could be used as branding for future hardware families. Ativ Tab, being the most conspicuous, looks to be the potential name for Samsung's venture into Windows 8 tablets. There is a high probability this will become reality as we're not likely to see the manufacturer alter its Android arsenal. We hope to find out more information in the next few days at IFA.

As well as Ativ Tab, we've also got the slightly more vague Ativ S. If the former is to be used for Samsung's Windows 8 tablet range, then we would agree with Engadget's assumption that Ativ S could well be used for Windows Phone 8 hardware - specifically the Odyssey. We've previously touched on the Odyssey, which is rumoured to be one of two dual-core Samsung Windows Phone 8 devices, and how T-Mobile is set to sport the device once Apollo hardware launches (with LTE support).

With all that said, we're still yet to see if Samsung will indeed use the Ativ branding for its Windows 8 tablet or Windows Phone families. Time will surely tell, but we'd like to see the company group all Windows products under one umbrella, and Ativ has an intriguing ring to it. Take a look at our editorial on the potential hardware we're likely to see from Samsung this fall.

We'll of course be at IFA to bring the latest and greatest, so be sure to stay tuned to our homepage. What do you think of the potential branding? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

via: Engadget

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.