New smartphones running the Windows Phone 7 operating system are expected within just a few weeks. In anticipation, Microsoft has announced a batch of around 50 mobile games at gaming showcase gamescom 2010 – and has also explained more about the way their phones will link with the Xbox LIVE online service. As well as new games and versions of popular classics there'll also be companion titles to familiar Xbox 360 games.

Gadget website engadget.com has an exclusive report that claims Sony Ericsson is planning a new Xperia smartphone that'll run Android 3.0 and will probably also carry PlayStation branding.

This year’s Mobile Web Usage Forecast from mobile internet firm Volantis says consumer interest in social networks and mobile games will drive mobile internet in the UK and the USA.

The company's forecast shows that entertainment is becoming a priority...

Microsoft has announced that Robbie Bach, president of the company's Entertainment and Devices Division, will retire from the company in the autumn. The E&D division is responsible for music (Zune), gaming (Xbox) and for Windows Phone products. From 1st July, Senior Vice President Andy Lees – who currently runs the Mobile Communications Business – will report directly to CEO Steve Ballmer, as will his Interactive Entertainment Business counterpart Don Mattrick.

New research from Gartner says world revenue from mobile gaming is expected to exceed $5.6 billion this year. That's a 19% increase from last year's total of $4.7 billion. Growth is expected to continue for the next few years; in 2014 the market is projected to have reached $11.4 billion.

Gartner estimates 70% – 80% of all mobile consumer applications downloaded are mobile games, although 60% to 70% of these downloaded games are free.