Palm has released the latest edition of its operating system but has not included the ability to sync with iTunes. That may spell an end to a back and forth battle between Palm and Apple to control whether the feature works on the phones.

Google has paid $750 million in a deal which will see it become the biggest player in the mobile advertising market. It will also greatly expand its presence on iPhone screens.

Pretty much every consumer-oriented smartphone is a rival to the iPhone. But Verizon’s latest marketing campaign doesn’t even pretend to make that rivalry subtle.

In a change of policy AT&T will now allow iPhone applications to use its data network for voice calls. The decision, possibly influenced by regulatory pressure, could cost it as much as $20 a user each month.

Google is bringing the always-on “push” version of Gmail to both the iPhone and Windows Mobile devices. It plugs a gap in Google’s services on such devices, though could noticeably diminish battery life.

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed that the principle of net neutrality be enforced with laws covering the wireless industry. It would force cellphone networks to treat all types of Internet traffic equally.

China Mobile has made clear that its flagship handset, seen as a potential rival to the iPhone, will be priced accordingly. That’s dashed hopes that it could be among the handsets on the Chinese market priced at around $150.

The Federal Communications Commission has officially confirmed it is to investigate competition issues in the wireless industry. It’s looking specifically at whether the current competition between companies leads to innovation and investment in wireless technology.

AT&T is demanding that all new smartphone buyers on its network subscribe to a previously optional data plan. It’s being billed as a way to help customers avoid unexpected charges, but may also be designed to cull unprofitable subscribers.

Whereas most electronic devices get nothing more than a model number, mobile phone producers like to create a memorable brand name which conveys the handset’s image. Here are some of the best examples of how they did it… and the times they failed.