Microsoft Corp unveiled its new software for mobile phones on Tuesday, promising more than 30 new devices would be on the market in more than 20 countries by the end of the year.

Phones using Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 6.5 software, which can play music and open Word and Excel documents, are set to compete with Apple Inc's iPhones and Research in Motion Ltd's BlackBerry devices.

Microsoft also announced a new online application store, where users can buy 246 applications for their phones.

Manufacturers and network providers introducing new Microsoft-driven phones include Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, AT&T Inc and Vodafone Group Plc.

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