Over the last few days especially, it’s seemed that Microsoft certainly has woken up to the fact that the mobile phone industry is a huge asset to be part of. Recently in the news, Microsoft have teamed up with mobile network Orange to try and be part and own some of the multimedia industry within mobile devices and mobile phones; I can see why as it can be a big, big money earner!

They are in the process of developing a new smartphone available on the Orange network and with the new Windows Mobile operating system in, specially designed for connectivity and digital media. The more confusing bit, is that HMV (music store in the UK) is going to be specially selling this new phone, because HMV uses Microsoft’s software for their jukebox product. It’s a case of “I’ll scratch your back, if you scratch theirs and I’ll scratch there’s another time, but I promise I will”. Ever so confusing, but it’s nice to know that the huge computer using industries are working together somewhat.

However, this comes with the news in the same week, that Motorola and Apple have come together to create a new phone, which ties together Motorola mobile technology and the device itself with an inbuilt iPod Shuffle. It’s called the Rokr E1 and from my first perspective, looks ugly and there are better phones out there with integrated MP3 players. First off, this silver pocket sized phone will have a 512MB card with it, which should hold about 100 music tracks with it and will be also USB compatible so that you can download straight from your computer or iTunes. With it standing at about $250 (£135) for a two year contract, and £210 on contract with the O2 network, it’s not a bad price for what it is I suppose, but as I said there are plenty better for about the same price. No news that I can find as yet as if it is compatible with 3G networks, but some other phones that you might find pretty damn good might be some interest to you.

? Nokia 8800
? Nokia N70
? Samsung E530
? Nokia N91

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