Microsoft Corp launched its new Windows 8 operating system and Surface tablet in a bid to revive interest in its flagship product and regain ground lost to Apple Inc and Google Inc in mobile computing.
Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer promised a Windows Phone update soon with more powerful Web graphics, and said new partner Nokia would supply "absolutely phenomenal" handsets.
Microsoft Corp agreed to buy Internet telephone company Skype for $8.5 billion in cash in its biggest deal ever, as the technology giant seeks to plug a hole in its mobile offerings.
Apple Inc became the most valuable public company of all time, after its market value climbed beyond $620 billion to surpass a milestone set by Microsoft Corp more than a decade ago.