The new Microsoft phone is also said to integrate Windows Marketplace, similar to Apple’s App Store from which users can download various applications for phones for a small fee.

It will also incorporate software from Microsoft’s newly acquired software firm Danger, which specialises in mobile devices.

Microsoft played down the rumours in a statement, saying “Microsoft is not going into the phone hardware business” and “Microsoft is not building a Zune-specific phone”.

However, those watching the industry see the statement as a Microsoft distraction tactic, aimed at not discouraging consumers from purchasing Windows Mobile products while waiting for a Microsoft smartphone instead. The company could still release a smartphone, made by a third party manufacturer, with Zune capability without breaching any of the claims in the statement.

Two years ago, Microsoft denied rumours that it was creating an mp3 player to compete with Apple’s iPhone, eventually releasing the Zune three months later.

Temporarily named ‘Pink’, the new product — as first reported in the Wall Street Journal — follows a slew of other rumours that has the US mobile industry buzzing.

Verizon and Microsoft have been linked for a number of years, recently signing a five-year agreement to make Live Search the default engine for Verizon phones.

However, reports indicate that Apple too is being courted by Verizon in an attempt to bring the iPhone over its network. The iPhone, which has sold more than 17m units worldwide, is offered exclusively through AT&T in the US. AT&T is presently seeking a one-year extension to the exclusive deal.

This could relate to Apple plans to introduce an “iPhone Lite” model on Verizon.  In addition, Apple has what has been dubbed the “Mediapad” in the works. This is designed to take on Amazon’s e-reader, the Kindle.

PDA manufacturer Palm has also been rumoured to be revealing its potential iPhone killer, the Palm Pre, next month before the annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, where Apple is also expected to introduce a new iPhone during the keynote address.

Entrants for the ‘Do the World a Flavour’ competition can register online. Additionally Ben & Jerry’s has also created a Facebook group to increase engagement.

The overall winner out of the 12 countries will see their ice cream made and sold as part of the Ben & Jerry’s range. Other countries running the promotion include the US, France, Germany and Turkey.

In addition to creating the ice cream flavour, the winner will be able to create a name and branding for the ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s also said the winner would be able to put their own picture on the pack.

by James Quilter , Brand Republic 14-Apr-09, 14:40

The aim is to remind consumers about the range of drinks they can make with Malibu as well as tapping into the market for summertime drinking occasions.

Malibu’s ‘Get Your Island On’ campaign launched last year and for the first time moved away from the brand’s traditional Carribean setting to feature urban city life.

Pernod Ricard customer development director Dan Reuby said: “The colourful design of the new bottle ensures fantastic in-store visibility while further reinforcing Mailibu’s message of bring the light-hearted spirit of the islands into our everyday lives.”

by James Quilter, Brand Republic 22-Apr-09, 12:25