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Apple's iPhone 5 is one of the biggest product launches ever in the sector, and may also deliver a well-timed stimulus to the US economy ahead of the presidential election, analysts say. Apple is expected to sell as many as 10 million of the devices in just the first days of the launch starting September 21, and upwards of 50 million in the fourth quarter, including a big chunk in the United States.

Apple delivered its new iPhones on Friday in a global launch marked by long queues at its retail stores but also frustration over the sellout of some models. The scenes in Apple stores around the world were reminiscent of earlier launches, generating both anticipation and disappointment, but it was unclear if the shortages were the result of strong demand or limited supply.

The iPhone will be front and center at Apple's upcoming media presentation even as the California tech giant steps up its efforts in content and services for its devices. In its trademark, tight-lipped style, Apple disclosed little about its plans for Tuesday's event at its headquarters in the Silicon Valley city of Cupertino. For years now, Apple has hosted events in the fall to launch new iPhone models ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Apple fans queued in Asia, Europe and North America on Friday for the new iPhone 5, which appeared set to break sales records despite lukewarm reviews and complaints about its mapping system. The crowds of eager buyers looked set to make the latest iPhone a huge commercial success for the trend-setting US tech giant. Some analysts say Apple may sell 10 million in just the first days of the launch.

EBay ended its troubled marriage with Skype on Tuesday, agreeing to sell a majority stake to a group of investors in a deal that values the Web communications service at 2.75 billion dollars. The online auction giant, which will retain a 35 percent equity investment in Skype, said it will receive 1.9 billion dollars in cash upon the completion of the sale and a note from the purchasers for 125 million dollars.

US online retail giant eBay unveiled plans Tuesday to spin off PayPal, aiming to help the unit compete better in the fast-moving online payments segment. The plan, to take effect next year, comes after months of pressure led by activist investor Carl Icahn, who had assailed eBay for poor management and claimed that keeping eBay tied with PayPal depressed the value of both.

China denied reports Thursday that reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il was preparing to visit Beijing and reiterated that it was not considering amending a mutual defense treaty with Pyongyang. "I don't know who has made these reports, but I can tell you that at present there is no such arrangement," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said when asked about the possibility of Kim visiting.

China said Thursday that newly announced rules for foreign media which drew criticism would not affect their ability to report on the country. Xinhua news agency, the mouthpiece of China's communist regime, issued regulations Sunday requiring all domestic subscribers of foreign news to get it only from Xinhua, which can censor all news coming into China.

Several thousand angry villagers in southern China clashed with police during protests over local land requisitions and village elections, police and reports said Thursday. Up to 17 people were injured when around two thousand villagers in Guangdong province clashed with police in front of the Shadui township government offices on Tuesday, Hong Kong's Apple Daily reported.