iPhone trounces BlackBerry in US

Apple's iPhone has leapfrogged Research In Motion's (RIM's) BlackBerry to grab fourth place among handset manufacturers in the US, tracking firm comScore said yesterday, reports AFP.

The iPhone's share of US mobile subscribers rose to 8.7% in the three months ending in May, from 7.5% three months earlier, while RIM's share fell to 8.1% from 8.6%, comScore says.

Samsung was the top handset manufacturer overall, with a 24.8% share of US mobile subscribers, unchanged from three months earlier, notes comScore.

Google has asked Apple to approve a mobile version of its social networking site Google+ for iPhones and iPads, reveals the BBC.

The news that it had submitted an iOS app was revealed by a Google employee, writing on her personal page. For Google+ to succeed alongside Facebook and Twitter, it will need to reach as many mobile devices as possible, according to industry watchers.

However, Apple exercises strict control over what can run on its platform and has blocked Google apps in the past.

Italian police have executed 32 raids across the country, resulting in the arrest of three people - one said to be a minor - who are suspected of being the Italian leaders of the Anonymous hacker group, reveals Videogamer.com.

It is believed the police have arrested the “promoter” and some of the leading figures of the Italian cell of Anonymous.

Italian press expect further arrests to follow. Anonymous was alleged to have been responsible for the attack on the PlayStation Network, but distanced itself from the crime.

Microsoft's head of strategy is stepping down from the company, according to The Register.

Senior VP of strategy and partnership Hank Vigil is leaving Microsoft to advise early-stage start-ups and focus on investing.

Vigil worked with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and the rest of the company's senior leadership team in developing and managing acquisitions, investments, and strategic relationships. Vigil is leaving Microsoft later this year, but will remain a “strategic advisor”.