Microsoft has today launched Xbox Music on Android and iOS almost a year after the music streaming service made its debut alongside Windows 8. The apps allow subscribers to stream tens of millions of songs straight to their mobile devices, and create playlists that sync across your smartphone, tablet, PC, and Xbox 360.

Microsoft has also updated its Xbox Music web app to offer free, ad-supported streaming for all.

Dreams of an Android-powered Nokia were well and truly quashed today when Microsoft announced that it has reached a deal to acquire Nokia’s Devices and Services unit for $7.2 billion. The move will see Microsoft take ownership of the Finnish firm’s entire smartphone lineup, giving it complete control over both hardware and software.

A Samsung Galaxy Gear mockup.

Galaxy Gear, Samsung’s first Android-powered smartwatch, will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Note III next week, according to a senior Samsung executive.

Lee Young-hee, executive vice president of the South Korean company’s mobile business, has confirmed to The Korea Times that the new “wearable concept device” will be announced on September 4, and she’s confident it will be a big success.

Microsoft has today announced that chief executive officer Steve Ballmer will retire “within the next 12 months.” Ballmer will continue to carry out his role while the company seeks a successor, aiding its transformation into a devices and services company — but he will depart once a suitable replacement is found.

A Samsung Galaxy Gear mockup.

Samsung is expected to announce Galaxy Gear, its first Android-powered smartwatch, during its Galaxy Note III press event in Berlin on September 4. We don’t yet know what it will look like, but according to information from insider sources, it’ll be available in a variety of colors, including white, orange, grey, black, and white gold.