AFP - Apple's international launch of iPhone 3G began in New Zealand and Japan on Friday, as a freshly-opened "App Store" tempted fans with independently created mini-programs for the coveted devices.

Reuters - Apple's new iPhone made its hotly awaited debut on Friday in Asia as buyers, many of whom had camped in line for days, stormed outlets to get their hands on the latest gadget to hit shelves.

AP - Google Inc. backs Yahoo in its effort to stave off an unsolicited takeover by Microsoft Corp. because an independent Yahoo will increase competition in the Internet search and advertising markets, Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said here Thursday.

AP - Apple Inc.'s new data synching service got off to a rocky start Thursday, as some users were denied access to their accounts just hours before the next-generation iPhone is slated to go on sale.

AP - The new iPhone model went on sale in the Asia-Pacific region Friday, making its debut in Japan amid swirling smoke after a 30-second countdown chanted by hundreds of people lined up, some for days, snaking around the block.