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Samsung introduced its Galaxy Tab tablet computer at the IFA show in Germany. With two cameras for video conferencing and phone capabilities, the Android-powered Galaxy Tab aims to outdo Apple's popular iPad. While Apple is expected to offer video conferencing in the next iPad, the real battle is between Android and Apple's iOS.

Verizon Wireless is the first wireless carrier to offer prepaid data plans for its top smartphones. Verizon users can get unlimited 3G access for $30 a month, or 25 megabytes for $10 a month. AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile offer prepaid voice and text plans. Verizon's offering may be a move toward tiered pricing for its data-hungry customers.

Samsung expects its popular Galaxy S series to lead fast smartphone sales growth that could take it from number five globally to number three in 2011. More than one million handsets based on the Galaxy S sold in the U.S. in the first 45 days through AT&T and T-Mobile. Samsung expects to sell 50 million smartphones in 2011.

Microsoft has sent Windows Phone 7 Series to mobile-device manufacturers to produce devices for the holiday season. CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled Windows Phone 7 in February with an emphasis on games, music and video. An analyst said the leading vendors for Windows Phone 7 Series are likely to be HTC, LG and Samsung.

Verizon Wireless is expected to offer Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy Tab tablet. The Galaxy Tab is essentially a bigger version of Samsung's Galaxy smartphones. With a screen smaller than Apple's iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is expected to face a crowded market with rivals ready to jump in, including Hewlett-Packard, Motorola and Sharp.

Motorola has cautioned Droid X users to avoid an unofficial leaked Android 2.2 update, which could block the final Froyo release. Motorola promised its final Android 2.2 update for the Droid X will fix Microsoft Exchange problems. Motorola is counting on the Flash Player in Android 2.2 to differentiate the Droid X from Apple's iPhone