Highlights include Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Apple, Inc. (AAPL).

In the continuing saga of the iPhone and Verizon (VZ) the press has written about a liaison between Verizon and Microsoft (MSFT) to sell a Microsoft-designed iPhone killer.

There is a cultural divide between Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft with rabid Apple devotees denigrating anything Microsoft. The popular opinion is that it takes three tries before Microsoft gets anything right (this goes back to the introduction of Windows where version 3.1 was the first version that worked).

There is also the notion that Microsoft is a software company. However, Microsoft has a very successful business selling mice and keyboards. Apple is known for its better operating systems.

What is the net impact? In my opinion, if Verizon introduces an iPhone-like smartphone based on a Microsoft design, this would kill an Apple-Verizon deal.

Is this important? Yes, but the introduction of an iPhone into China would be a much more significant event.

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