Webwire: EC clears MS-Skype deal; Nuance buys Swype

The European Commission has cleared Microsoft's planned $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype, after finding that the deal poses no competition concerns in Europe.

Speech recognition and imaging software maker Nuance Communications has arranged to pay $102.5 million to buy Swype Inc, the developer of touch keyboard input software used in smartphones from a number of handset makers.

Forbes 

Mexico-based operator America Movil and financial services giant Citigroup will buddy up for a $50 million joint venture to offer mobile banking services across Latin America, starting in Mexico in Q1 next year.

The Financial Express 

Samsung and Google have delayed the October 11 unveiling of what is widely expected to be the next Android version, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich, and the first device to use it. In a statement, Samsung said it had postponed the event out of respect for Steve Jobs, in light of his passing.

The Israeli government is seeking a private partner for Israel Electric Corp in a project to roll out fiber to two thirds of homes within seven years.

Analysts expect T-Mobile USA to lose around three times as many contract customers this year as it did in 2010. The operator is restrained from cutting prices to boost retention, because the US DoJ is opposing its planned $39 billion acquisition by AT&T on the grounds that T-Mobile currently plays a role in pushing market prices down.

UK operators BT and TalkTalk will launch a fresh court appeal against the UK's controversial Digital Economy Act antipiracy law, which is unpopular with service providers as it places the onus on them to police their uses.

Universal Studios and US cable operator Comcast will use new film Tower Heist to trial an on-demand home rental model for still in theater movies, at the hefty price point of $60.

All Things Digital