No Easy Answer

The answer, it seems, won't be coming our way soon -- at least, not in any official sense. We do know, however, that Microsoft and Verizon have been chumming it up lately: The two companies a few months ago that'll make Live Search (or ) the default search engine for Verizon Wireless phones. That followed a long-term partnership announced and .

Consider, too, the rash of other recent rumors around the tech world: Verizon is in talks to as soon as 2010, those pesky "people familiar with the situation" said earlier this week. (Gee, where have we heard before?) Yet another set of nameless sources says Apple's plan is to bring a series of new devices exclusively to Verizon, including and a . In the end, it all adds up to a lot of speculation with little substantiated fact.

One thing's for sure: A hot new device, if developed well, would be welcomed news for Ballmer and crew. With running rampant and of its own, a kick in the keister may just what Microsoft mobile needs -- and "Pink" could be the force that makes it happen. Let's just hope the company avoids its of the past and comes up with something a little less pastel.

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