Mobile operating systems - News, Features, and Slideshows

News

• Third-party tool opens WP7 to unapproved apps

  Three developers have released software that allows Windows Phone 7 users to "sideload" applications onto their phones, giving access to applications that have not been approved by Microsoft.

• Microsoft opens WP7 development with Visual Basic support

  Microsoft has started letting developers build and release applications for Windows Phone 7 using Visual Basic, potentially opening the door to more applications on the new smartphone platform.

• iOS 4.2 on iPhone 4: Nice but not revolutionary

  If you're an iPhone user, you'll find the just-released iOS 4.2 a solid, mildly useful new system update. There's nothing earth-shaking here, and nothing as significant as the multitasking features and folders that iOS 4.2 adds to the iPad.

• Apple iOS 4.2: The first 24 hours

  Apple released iOS 4.2 into the wild about 24 hours ago, and users installing the software update have found improved HTML 5 features, quirky bugs and limited AirPlay support.

• iOS 4.2 for the iPad: Hands-on

  Down: Actually Updating the iPad

• Apple iOS 4.2 roundup

  After an initial setback to its release due to Wi-Fi issues last week, Apple’s updated mobile operating system, iOS 4.2, is now available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

• Apple releases iOS 4.2

  Apple has just announced that iOS 4.2 will be available today for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch users.

• Android traffic catches iOS, Millennial says

  Android tied with iOS in October as the smartphone operating systems most often hitting Millennial Media's mobile advertising network.

• Google Maps on Android gets personalized recommendations

  The latest version of Google Maps on Android comes with Hotspot, a new "local recommendation engine" that will help users discover places based on ratings from themselves and their friends, Google said in a blog post.

• Android no. 2 mobile OS: Apple eats its dust

  Google's Android is now the second most popular mobile operating system in the world - second only to Nokia's Symbian OS, according to Gartner's third quarter report. Apple's iOS comes in third, followed by Research In Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry OS, and Microsoft Windows Mobile.

• WP7 smartphone supplies 'tight,' Microsoft says

  Windows Phone 7 (WP7) smartphones have only been on sale since Monday at two wireless carriers in the U.S. and already Microsoft is saying "initial supplies are tight."

• Windows Phone 7 flying off store shelves

  The HTC DH7, one of the first smartphones featuring the Windows Phone 7 OS, has sold out, one day after its release. This instantaneous success can be credited either to HTC's impressive track list of making great smartphones or the public's strong interest in Microsoft's revamped mobile OS. Either way, it's a good day for Microsoft -- though there's a long road ahead.

• Opera releases beta of Android browser

  Opera Software has released its Mobile 10.1 beta for Android, joining the battle for browser supremacy on Android-based smartphones.

• Nokia takes over Symbian development

  Nokia is taking over the development of the Symbian smartphone OS, and is still committed to the platform, the company said on Monday.

• Mozilla's new Firefox beta for Android improves speed, size

  Mozilla has released an faster, smaller beta version of its Firefox 4 browser for Android-based smartphones with an improved user interface, according to a Thursday blog post.