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Microsoft near deal with Verizon for cellphone search (AFP)

AFP - Microsoft Corp. is close to a deal with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cellphones, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

Japan's DoCoMo eyes 'Google phone' launch next year (AFP)

AFP - Japan's top carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc. aims to launch next year a cellphone developed with Internet search giant Google, an official said Wednesday, a move that could counter Apple's iconic iPhone.

Microsoft nears search deal with Verizon: report (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp is moving closer to an agreement with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cell phones, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Wall Street sells off as consumers snap wallets shut (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks fell on Friday after a record drop in retail sales last month heightened fears that American consumers' reluctance to spend will push the economy into an even deeper downturn than currently expected.

Japanese mobiles to offer psychotherapy sessions (AFP)

AFP - A Japanese professor on Wednesday launched what he said was the world's first web-based psychotherapy sessions available via mobile phone, as the country grapples with a growing problem of depression.

Nokia sees cellphone, gear market falling in 2009 (Reuters)

Reuters - Top handset maker Nokia Oyj said on Friday the world's mobile phone market would fall in the fourth quarter and next year as an economic slowdown crimps consumer demand around the world.

Appeal threatens Telenor's Russian stake (AP)
AP - A Siberian appeal court is scheduled Tuesday to consider a ruling that could lead to the temporary seizure of Norwegian Telenor's ownership in Vimpelcom, Russia's second largest mobile phone company.

Cisco unveils new edge router (Reuters)

Reuters - Cisco Systems Inc launched a new edge router aimed at improving Web speeds as more consumers download movies online and access the Internet with mobile phones.

AT&T Introduces Touch-Sensitive HTC Fuze Handset (NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - AT&T Wireless Services has fired up a new 3G smartphone from HTC that combines a slide-out QWERTY-style keypad with a 2.8-inch touch-sensitive screen and intuitive one-touch access to selected functions. The HTC Fuze will let users navigate from one place to the next by touching, holding and sliding screen tabs.

Vodafone to focus on cost control after revenue cut (Reuters)

Reuters - Mobile phone group Vodafone cut its full-year revenue outlook for the second time in four months on Tuesday but said it would maintain profits and boost free cash flow by cutting 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) of costs.