Microsoft and Google launch new products to compete with Apple

Microsoft and Google both launched competitors to Apple’s iPhone yesterday – ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period.

Microsoft unveiled its new mobile software, Windows Phone 8, which will launch on a range of handsets. Windows Phone 8 is vital to the fortunes of Nokia, which last year agreed to only make smartphones running Microsoft’s software.

Google announced a new smartphone and tablet to its Nexus range yesterday, adding to the seven inch device it unveiled a few months ago.

The Nexus 4 phone, built by Motorola, will run Google’s Android operating software and cost from £239 when it launches on 13 November. The Nexus 10 tablet will start from £319, which is £80 less than the cheapest version of the iPad.