News : Competing mobile visions

As Microsoft looks for ways to challenge Google in the online advertising space, the competitors look likely to tussle in the mobile arena.
While Microsoft says it's taking company-wide steps to place its technologies in the hands of an expanding mobile consumer audience, pointing out its Windows Mobile software runs on phones from 50 device makers used by 160 mobile operators, Google is working on a mobile platform it hopes will alter the rules and economics of this fast moving sector. After announcing The Open Handset Alliance along with 34 partners late last year, consumers are getting their first glimpse of Google's Android platform at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Reuters Technology Correspondent Matt Cowan reports.