Microsoft offers first Google Android mobile phone app

Microsoft has made an application that works with Google's Android phone. Called Tag, the free software uses a handset's camera to turn it into a mobile barcode reader. It is the first application Microsoft has made for the Android operating system - one of the key rivals to Windows Mobile.

Via BBC News

Gartner: Third of 2010 phone sales to be touchscreen

In three years' time, the majority of mobile devices sold worldwide will be sporting a touchscreen, according to a new report from analyst house Gartner. The launch of Apple's iPhone in mid-2007 - with its large capacitive display - sparked a touchscreen arms race in high-end mobile devices. While touchscreen technology on mobiles predates the iPhone by some years, Apple reinvigorated the concept for consumers by incorporating multitouch gestures into the iPhone's UI.

Via ZDNet

Beijing says working with Google to resolve dispute

China is in consultations with technology giant Google (GOOG.O) to resolve its dispute with the company, which has threatened to abandon the Chinese market over hacking and censorship concerns, said a Chinese official on Friday. The comment came from Li Yizhong, minister of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), speaking on the sidelines of China's annual parliament.

Via Reuters

Ofcom to investigate net neutrality

The chief of UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has said the authority will investigate web traffic control measures later this year as the net neutrality debate rumbles on. Ed Richards, who gave a keynote speech at the Cable Congress conference taking place in Brussels this week, said that in light of Europe's move to adopt region-wide telecoms legislation, national regulators needed to assess the 'openess' of the internet and decide whether action needed to be taken to preserve it.

Via Telecoms.com

Orange aims to 'democratise' mobile app experience

Deal with Netvibes will see operator bolster its widget service with additional 200,000 mini applications. Orange on Thursday announced it has partnered with widget platform maker Netvibes as it looks to boost its mass-market mobile apps offering. The deal will enable the operator to bring Netvibes' catalogue of nearly 200,000 programs to its Orange Widgets service, which ships on 80% of its handsets.

Via Total Telecom

Lip reading mobile promises end to noisy phone calls

Technology that could see an end to the bane of many commuters - people talking loudly on their mobile phones - has been shown off by researchers. The prototype device could allow people to conduct silent phone conversations. The technology measures the tiny electrical signals produced by muscles used when someone speaks.

Via BBC News