Microsoft

Microsoft, for the first time in its history, sold bonds to investors, capitalising on its strong credit rating and investor appetite to raise US$3.75 billion.

Reuters reports that Acer - the world's third-largest PC brand - today confirmed it plans to sell netbooks that run on Google's Android operating system in the third quarter, posing a potential threat to Microsoft's Windows.

IDG notes that Microsoft does not plan to offer a version of Windows for so-called 'smartbooks,' leaving the space open to Linux, Google's Android and other operating systems.

Microsoft has signed a deal with Global Hyatt to put hotel adverts on Verizon Wireless phones, part of a bid to turn around its shrinking advertising business by expanding beyond personal computers, a Bloomberg report said.

Cellular News notes that rumours, often denied, that Microsoft could launch its own range of mobile phones have jumped back into life with news that a media agency has been appointed to deal with 'Project Pink.'

eWeek reports that Microsoft Bing has become the default search tool on Verizon-powered mobile devices as part of a five-year deal.

Activist investor Carl Icahn spoke out in favour of a search deal between Yahoo and Microsoft as talks between the two companies appeared to regain momentum, reports Reuters.