Microsoft officially announced today that they are ready to accept applications for their Windows Marketplace smartphone app store. This will go on air as soon as Windows Mobile 6.5 becomes available to the general public. Those among you who are professional developers can click here to know more about the Windows Mobile for Developers website.

Microsoft will also be organising a contest called The Race to Market Challenge, which plans to offer winning developers huge prizes like the developer edition of the Microsoft Surface touchscreen table, which is currently used by companies such as AT&T. More info about this competition will be available at the official contest site, later today.

Source: MobileBurn

Is any of you looking for a small Bluetooth headset that also comes with a reasonable price tag? Well, this one we just discovered fits that category and more. This headset can even connect two devices at one and the same time. What’s more, it is available for a mere £8.95! Are we kidding? Of course not.

The Bluetooth headset we’re talking about is from i-Tech Arrow X. It is very tiny and lightweight, while at the same time, also delivers high performance, all at an unbelievably low price. It can also connect two mobile phones at the same time.

Order now if you are interested, as the stock is very limited, with one customer given the chance to buy only one headset. Click here to order online right now.

i-Tech Bluetooth Headset

Source: IntoMobile

It’s a well-known fact that Verizon is still lusting after the Palm Pre, though the company tried very hard to play it down. Verizon’s aim was to overthrow Sprint’s hold on the smartphone. But Sprint wasn’t giving into its rival’s opinions and remarks even back then, during its launch.

Verizon, is anyway, in no mood to give up its quest for the Pre. They have now claimed that they will be getting the Palm Pre “early next year”. Of course, Palm must be feeling extremely flattered with all the attention they are getting. Good place to be, huh?

Palm Pre Box Shot

Source: EngadgetMobile

We had told you recently about the BlackBerry Curve 8520 going to Vodafone UK (click here for original post). Now, Pocket Lint has gotten some great pictures of this wonderful smartphone, boasting of an optical trackball, non-3G, entry level device.

BlackBerry Curve 8520

The BlackBerry 8520 will also be available with Orange and Carphone Warehouse as well. The latter will offer this cutie in a different shade – violet. Just for your information, the 8520, also hailed as the Gemini, is coming to T-Mobile USA on the 5th of August (most probably). Anyway, enjoy the pictures of the handheld and also click here if you wish to see the entire photogallery.

BlackBerry Curve 8520

Source: EngadgetMobile