Samsung's first-ever Windows Phone 8 (WP8) smartphone in partnership with Microsoft, the ATIV S, seems to have met with unwarranted delays. While other manufacturers like Nokia and HTC have released their WP8 devices, the Korean company's smartphone seems to be relegated to the backburner.

Judging by the reports, things don't seem to be looking up for the ATIV S as its Canadian release has been pushed back to December. The ATIV S was scheduled to hit the Canadian shelves via several carriers like Rogers, Bell, Sasktel, and TELUS in November, but now it seems that the device may just squeeze itself into the market before Christmas.

Mobile Syrup reached out to Samsung Canada for further information on the delay, and were informed via an e-mail that the ATIV S would ship in early December and make it to stores by mid-December.

"We are committed to launch the ATIV S nationally, on Rogers, Bell and TELUS, as well as Sasktel. We are planning to ship to carriers in early December, and should have supply at stores by mid month," read the e-mail.

It is still not clear why the ATIV S has met with delay in shipments. Earlier in November, UK retailers had also disclosed that the smartphone was delayed till December. According to SamMobile, the smartphone may finally ship in Jan. 2013 in Europe.

"Samsung will ship the ATIV S from week 52 which means the ATIV S is delayed again. If you already ordered your ATIV S you will have to wait longer. The ATIV S could be delayed to begin January for Europe!" reported SamMobile.

Currently, the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X are available in Canada. Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer recently asserted that the "Windows Phone 8 has been on sale for a few weeks and is off to a great start."

ATIV S may be missing out on the sales but when the device finally hits the shelves it is expected to be offered between $129 to $149 on a three-year contract in Canada. The contract free version will set consumers back by $600.