Microsoft in low-cost smartphone deal

Microsoft has entered into a partnership with Singapore-based Flextronics International to market a new range of high-specification phones that run Windows Mobile to handset makers and network operators worldwide.

The new Peabody phone platform - a blueprint from which any number of new models can be designed to order - would cut costs and production time, says Microsoft mobile devices product manager John Starkweather.

"That`s the significance of this partnership - extremely high-volume, low-cost devices that don`t have any concessions in terms of functionality."

He declined to give any figure for the expected cost reductions, reports AP.

Microsoft`s Windows Mobile operating system for phones is battling for market share against rivals Palm OS and Symbian, which is the clear leader in Europe.

A study has found that people seeking love online are most likely to succeed, Reuters reports.

According to researcher Dr Jeff Gavin, 94% of those surveyed saw their `e-partner` again after first meeting them. The relationships lasted for an average of at least seven months, while 18% of the 229 people who took part in the survey remained together for a year or longer, he says.

"It seems relationships that start online have a similar level of success as ones formed in more conventional ways. The findings have been submitted to Britain`s Journal of Personal and Social Relationships."

Gavin, a psychology lecturer at Britain`s University of Bath, said the research threw up some other interesting pointers.

"Online chatting was, as one of the most successful means of communicating, better even than e-mailing," he said, adding that simultaneous online chatting in real-time allowed less chance of "impression management" compared with e-mailing.

Pirates were responsible for as much as $38 billion in lost revenue, with the US alone shouldering around $25 billion in global losses, Australian IT reports.

According to the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), the high losses stemmed from poor enforcement in 67 countries, and said it was urging US authorities to place 42 of those on "an appropriate" list for review and possible trade sanctions.

The group, which includes the Motion Picture Association of America, pointed to Russia, Pakistan and Ukraine as the three major offenders, and also called for consultations with China at the World Trade Organisation and a special review of the growing piracy problem from that country.

The IIPA singled out Russia as a priority and said in a statement that Washington should immediately suspend special trade privileges granted to the country.

"Russia`s copyright piracy problem remains one of the most serious in the world. Piracy rates for most sections are estimated at around 80% in 2004 and conservative estimated losses exceed $1.7 billion."