Microsoft's Stinger rings in the new and the bell tolls for Lastorders

According to a report in the Guardian, handset manufacturers Samsung, Mitsubishi and UK-based Sendo have already signed up to use the system which is due to begin testing on European networks including Vodafone in the UK, Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile in Germany and Telefonica Movile in Spain.

Although Microsoft is new to the mobile phone market its dominance in the computing sector and global brand have allowed it to break into the wireless market with a largely unproven product.

Microsoft has described its deals with the three major European telcos as a "significant leap forward" in its wireless strategy and its reputation for dogged persistence of domination will doubtless make it a strong contender for gaining the biggest piece of mobile pie...

Other news in the mobile sector concerns the fall of Vodafone from its spot atop the European league of major companies. Many of today's papers pick up on the fact that old economy giant BP has toppled Vodafone to officially become Europe's 'biggest' company.

Vodafone has increasingly experienced investor uncertainty and has seen its share price slowly fall - now resting below 200p for the first time in two years...

Finally, this morning's Telegraph reports the demise of online drinks retailer Lastorders.com, which has been forced to call in the liquidators.

The Edinburgh-based firm, which offered a comprehensive range of alcoholic drinks, available for order and delivery direct to your door has brought in KPMG to collect the empties, wipe down the tables and move on the stragglers as it shuts its virtual bar for the last time.

The company hopes to recover some funds through the sale of its brand and technology which it is confident will attract some interest...