IBT Staff Reporter

Work has begun on the first Nokia Oyj smartphones based on Microsoft Corp software following the partnership announced by the companies last month, Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop told Reuters.

A new study says upcoming wind farm and solar energy projects in in Hawaii could reliably provide energy for 25 percent of the state.

As expected, President Barack Obama on Friday signed H.J. Res 48 into law on Friday, enacting a 3 week measure to fund the government until April 8.

The Federal Reserve will allow some of the largest U.S. banks to boost or restart dividends payments this year but will restrict the amounts to 30 percent or less of the company's anticipated earnings, the central bank said on Friday.

Stocks rose on Friday as the Group of Seven nations moved to calm markets amid Japan's crisis and as Brent oil slipped, but investors are likely to stay cautious heading into the weekend.

He recently announced that he will be giving back to the community through his one-man show tour, My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is not an Option.

The venture capital arm of Google Inc has invested in a start-up that is developing technology to produce fuel from inedible biomass such as grass and wood chips.

Rovio, the developer of the Angry Birds mobile game, said it would seek an initial public offering in the United States.

A Danish researcher has found that a form of iron oxide can trap heavy metals and remove them from water.

Apple is involved in testing retypes of iPhone which incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, adding fuel to earlier reports which surmised that the next edition of iPhone will be NFC enabled Cult of Mac reported.

Shares of companies active in Friday's early trade are Nike Inc., Cisco Systems, Lorillard Inc., LDK Solar Co., Celera, Under Armour and Longtop Financial Technologies.

Almost two weeks after nude photos of Chris Brown leaked on the internet, the singer is speaking out about them, claiming he is comfortable with his body, reported OK! Magazine.

Contradicting earlier reports, the iPhone 5 may be NFC-ready.

Microsoft and federal agents took down Rustock, a botnet responsible at its peak for nearly half of the world's spam.

Japan bought billions of dollars to restrain a soaring yen on Friday, backed by action from European central banks as the world's richest nations moved to calm markets made nervous by Japan's nuclear crisis.

Congress averted a partial federal shutdown on Thursday as the Senate voted to pass a three week extension already approved by the House that gives lawmakers time to negotiate a long term deal.

Universal and Illumination Entertainment are bringing to life Dr. Seuss' The Lorax in an animated film that will also feature Zac Efron, Betty White and Danny DeVito.

Zacks Equity Research highlights: Standard Motor Products (NYSE: SMP) as the Bull of the Day and RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), Google Inc (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Apple Inc (Nasdaq: AAPL).

Work has begun on the first Nokia smartphones based on Microsoft software, according to Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop, who does not expect Microsoft to try to buy his company.

Oil prices fell on Friday after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's government said it would halt military action in response to a U.N. resolution for an immediate ceasefire.

U.S. stocks bounced for a second day on Friday as Group of Seven nations moved to calm markets rattled by Japan's nuclear crisis and oil prices fell after Libya said it would cease military actions.

Tickets for his upcoming one-man show sold out in record time. Tickets for the first show of Charlie Sheen LIVE: MY Violent Torpedo of Truth, in New York's Radio City Hall sold out in less than 30 minutes. The 6,000-seat venue is the largest of his tour so far.

Wall Street was set to open higher for a second day on Friday as Group of Seven nations moved to calm markets rattled by Japan's nuclear crisis and oil prices fell after Libya said it would cease military actions.

General Mills is set to pay 800 million euros ($1.12 billion) for half the Yoplait yogurt brand, allowing the company to settle a management dispute and pursue emerging markets growth.

Actor Kevin Costner has been cast to play Jonathan Kent - the farmer from Kansas who takes in an alien infant who grows up to be Superman. Warner Bros. will revive Superman on the big screen in 2012, according to a report by the LA Times.

Brean Murray Carret & Co. reiterated its Hold rating and narrowed its loss estimate on apparel retailer New York & Co. (NYSE: NWY) after the company posted stronger-than-expected quarterly results.

Oil rose above $116 a barrel on Friday after the United Nations authorized Western-led attacks in OPEC member Libya and tension stayed high across the oil-producing Middle East.

Futures bounced back for a second day on Friday but Japan's nuclear crisis and rising oil prices on possible military action against Libya could keep Wall Street on track for its worst week in seven months.

Stock index futures pointed to a higher opening on Wall Street on Friday, with futures for the S&P 500, for the Dow Jones and for the Nasdaq 100 up 0.4-0.7 percent.