Mobile operators in talks with Apple to secure iPad distribution
Mobile industry experts think Apple may grant exclusive distribution rights for the iPad to one of the UK's mobile operators depending on how much they're prepared to subsidise the cost of the device and any associated data plans. The predictions follow reports this week that Apple in the UK is negotiating resale rights of the tablet computer with UK operators.

Via New Media Age


MSN Video takes on BBC iPlayer with ad-supported online TV offering
Microsoft's MSN Video is to launch a free catch-up TV service in the UK on Thursday to try to compete with the BBC's iPlayer - but including 30-second adverts before, during and after each programme. The iPlayer, which like the original BBC content has no ads, is one of the most popular websites in the UK, allowing people to view or listen to TV and radio programmes up to seven days after their transmission.

Via The Guardian


Motorola, Microsoft in deal to put Bing on phones
Motorola Inc has reached a deal with Microsoft Corp that will put Bing search and mapping services on its phones that use Google's Android operating system. Motorola said the partnership with Microsoft means that a Bing bookmark and search widget will be loaded on cell phones, starting in the coming weeks with phones in China. The move follows shortly after Motorola struck a similar deal to let consumers in China use Baidu Inc, among others, as the default Web search instead of Google on Android based phones.

Via Reuters


Google launches app store
Google has announced that it has opened the Google Apps Marketplace to developers. More than 50 companies wil be involved in the Apps Marketplace, which will offer business software such as a project management application, a tax and a payroll program, an electronic fax program, an e-signature service, and a design tool for Google Docs.

Via The Guardian


Patent attack hits Apple, RIM, AT&T, Moto...
Apple, Research in Motion, and a gaggle of other deep-pocket firms have been slapped with a wide-ranging patent infringment suit by an obscure Texas firm. The suit alleges that Apple and RIM - plus AT&T, Insight Enterprises, LG Electronics, Motorola, Pantech Wireless, Samsung and Sanyo - are in violation of one or more of seven mobile phone-related patents. The allegedly infringed-upon patents include ones for Bluetooth connectivity, syncing, background processing and other mobile matters.

Via The Register


Mobile that allows bosses to snoop on staff developed
Researchers have produced a mobile phone that could be a boon for prying bosses wanting to keep tabs on the movements of their staff. Japanese phone giant KDDI Corporation has developed technology that tracks even the tiniest movement of the user and beams the information back to HQ. It works by analysing the movement of accelerometers, found in many handsets.

Via BBC Online