MSFT is close to unveiling a mobile search pact w/Verizon

Such a relationship would mean MSFT has beaten out GOOG for the business; this would be second time MSFT has bested GOOG in search this week (MSFT's Live replaced GOOG in Sun's Java toolbar). Verizon is close to naming MSFT the default search provider for all its mobile handsets, a piece of business GOOG had been lobbying for. MSFT is offering financial incentives nearly double what GOOG was willing to pay. MSFT is also negotiating w/VZ to have the carrier install Windows Mobile on more devices. Combined, the deal could be worth $1B to VZ. [Wall Street Journal]