Lots of movers and shakers strutted into mid-March with lion-fierce deals and designs. But before the month gets all lamblike on us, let’s look at this week’s most interesting news bits:

 

For starters, Motorola (News - Alert) Inc. announced a deal with Microsoft Corp. to deploy Bing services on Motorola devices powered by Android (News - Alert). The new offering, launching in China on smartphones in the current quarter, will provide consumers a choice when using search and map functions on their Android-based devices.

 

China still hasn’t lifted its ban on Twitter. Still, this move is definitely progress, and citizens of the populated nation should rejoice.

 

Meanwhile, Apple (News - Alert) is adjusting its book categories and certification procedure for applications to work on the iPad device, according to reports. The company is apparently taking extra care related to these applications because the sale of applications are expected to be a key driver or revenue related to the iPad, to launch April 3.

 

Speaking of Apple, rival Microsoft’s (News - Alert) new Windows Phone 7 Series just might make name for itself in a pretty lucrative, unique market niche: Gamers.  Need to see more? Check out this YouTube (News - Alert) video of Microsoft exec Eric Rudder demonstrating a play of Indiana Jones at last week’s TechEd Middle East show in Dubai.

 

Perhaps the coolest announcement we’ve heard this week is that Target shoppers will no longer have to stuff coupons into their wallets or worry about printing them out before a trek to the store.

 

The big-box chain announced that it is the first national retailer to offer a scannable mobile coupon program for shoppers to receive exclusive offers directly on their mobile phones.

 

Maybe this will help me actually remember to clip coupons – or not freak out when I forget to bring them. After all, I always remember to bring my smartphone wherever I go.