T-Mobile (owned by Deutsche Telekom) said the software was available for users to download to their iPhones on Tuesday, but that it was not yet clear if the upgrade would fix all the connection problems. AT&T, the only U.S. network operator carrying the iPhone, confirmed that Apple had provided a software update but declined to give details about what it was aimed at fixing.

That's why earlier this year Google kicked off a competition that awards cash prizes to companies creating innovative applications for its Android mobile platform. The search giant has earmarked US$10 million for the Android Developer Challenge, for which it says it has received more than 1,700 submissions from around the world.

As part of its move to Intel chips in early 2006, Apple abandoned its practice of using custom motherboard chipsets. Instead, it began to rely on slightly tweaked versions of industry-standard chipsets offered by Intel. However, with Apple striving to maintain Mac sales growth of more than two times the industry average, it's again looking to differentiate the architecture of its PCs through alternative technology.