Microsoft's two year plan to beef up Windows Mobile.

Motorola plans to buy Santa Clara wireless E-mail software vendor Good Technology for an undisclosed amount.

Google plans to improve access to Gmail via cell phones with an application that enhances its performance when connecting to mobile devices.

Growth in the EMEA smart mobile device market in Q3 rose slightly from the previous quarter, but remains well below the 100%-plus rates seen for most of last year. Nokia’s lead, achieved largely through shipments of its consumer-focused Symbian S60 devices, remains comfortable. With new UIQ models shipping last quarter, fellow Symbian-based vendor Sony Ericsson re-entered the top five (in fourth place) after a long absence, helping take Symbian’s market share up to 78.7% from 76.6% a year earlier.

CrackBerry users will not have to face the pains of messaging withdrawal thanks to a $613m settlement between Research in Motion (RIM) and NTP. RIM paid up to settle all patent infringement claims made by NTP. In addition, it has acquired a perpetual license for NTP's IP. Blackberry users everywhere will rejoice as it appeared RIM might have to shut down its messaging service as part of the ongoing dispute with NTP.