Microsoft

Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang says that the firm is still open to a Microsoft takeover, despite turning down an offer from the software giant earlier this year, reports AFP.

Microsoft has made available for download emulator images for Internet Explorer 6 for its Windows Mobile platform, reports ZDNet. According to the Windows Mobile blog, operators should begin offering IE6 on Windows Mobile devices "soon."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports this week that Microsoft is close to securing a deal with Verizon Wireless that will see it become the default search provider on the US mobile operator's devices.

The Inquirer reports that, in a bid to challenge Apple in the smartphone market, Microsoft is planning to launch a device based on Nvidia technology in 2009.

Dow Jones reports that, contrary to recent market speculation, software giant Microsoft has no plans to launch a branded mobile device.

Unwired View reports that Microsoft is in talks with Blockbuster, the chain of DVD and video game rental stores, to develop a service that will provide instant access to movies on mobile handsets based on the Windows Mobile platform.

Reuters notes that Ivory Investment Management LP, which owns 1.5 percent of shares in Yahoo, urged the Internet company to sell its search business to Microsoft, saying such a deal could more than double Yahoo's value.