Microsoft

Microsoft yesterday confirmed that its new application store - Windows Marketplace for Mobile - will offer developers 70 percent of sales revenue from each application and allow them to set their own cost for each app.

Microsoft has signed-up a number of software partners for the launch of its applications store later this year, reports Reuters.

VoIP pioneer Skype has confirmed recent speculation by unveiling a version of its software for Apple's App Store.

Keeping up with other high-profile application store announcements this week from Microsoft and RIM, Nokia today announced new content and services for its Ovi Store, due to open globally in May.

Microsoft expects several phones on the US market to be powered by its Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system after it launches later this year, reports Reuters.

Reuters notes that the chief executives of Microsoft and Yahoo met last week to discuss potential partnerships between the companies' Internet search and advertising operations, the technology blog All Things Digital reported on Friday.

Verizon Wireless and Microsoft are reportedly planning to launch a new touch screen handset next year to take on Apple's iPhone, which is offered exclusively in the US by Verizon rival, AT&T.