CES: New Partnership Links Microsoft, Verizon, Facebook

Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer in his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Wednesday night announced the beta launch of Windows 7, the availability of Windows Live, as well as a variety of new partnerships with companies including Dell, Facebook and Verizon Wireless (VZ).

Verizon Wireless tapped Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) as part of a deal to provide Internet search and mobile advertising services via the mobile phones it offers as part of its services. Starting in the first half of this year, Microsoft Live Search will be available on new Verizon Wireless feature phones and smartphones. Microsoft also will manage search and display advertising on Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web service.

And as of Wednesday night, the Microsoft CEO also announced the company’s Windows 7 operating system is available in beta. The new OS offers a laundry list of new features.

In addition, Ballmer said Microsoft has joined forces with popular social media company Facebook. If customers choose to configure it as such, he said, anything they enter into Facebook can also populate Windows Live.