Nokia 6560 Carbon Fiber faceplate

Verizon to Include Microsoft Live Search on Phones (PC World)
PC World - Microsoft has struck a five-year deal to pre-install its Live Search as the default search engine on Verizon mobile phones.

Android Fans Watch HTC Release a Windows Phone (NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - Many observers of this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are waiting to see what kind of presence the open-source Android mobile-phone platform will have among new smartphones. Some have speculated that HTC, which makes the pioneering T-Mobile G1 Android handset, might release its own Android model.

Billions at stake as China issues 3G licences (AFP)

AFP - China issued long-awaited third-generation mobile phone licences Wednesday, a move that will pour billions of dollars into new networks as consumers buy video- and Internet-enabled handsets.

Motorola unveils mobile phone made from recycled water bottles (AFP)

AFP - Motorola, seeking to capitalize on the trend towards more environmentally friendly products, has unveiled the first mobile phone made from recycled water bottles.

China shares fall on profit-taking (AP)
AP - Chinese shares declined Wednesday after a short-lived rally on profit-taking in banks and refiners, and telecom shares fell despite the government's release of third-generation mobile phone licenses.

EU Investigates Possible Smart Card Chip Cartel (PC World)
PC World - The European Commission is investigating a possible cartel among manufacturers of the smart card chips used in payment cards and mobile phones, it said Wednesday.

After Years of Delays, China Finally Issues 3G Licenses (PC World)
PC World - China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) finally granted 3G licenses to the country's mobile operators on Wednesday, bringing to a close years of waiting and delay.

Refurbished iPhone 3Gs Being Sold by Best Buy (NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - In yet another move to get Apple's iPhone into more retail outlets, Best Buy on Tuesday became the first retailer to offer refurbished iPhone 3Gs at stores nationwide.

Japan may promote lower mobile phone fees (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan's government will seek to introduce new guidelines on mobile phone connection fees as early as 2010, which may lower rates for consumers, the Asahi newspaper reported on Thursday.