• Computerworld has some early info on Google's Android software for netbooks, which would compete with Microsoft's Windows software for the low-cost laptops built for basic computing like e-mailing and surfing the Web. Built by SkyTone in China, CW says, the new device undercuts most netbooks out there on cost, and should end up costing $100 to $200.

• Techcrunch has some tidbits on social networking in Windows Live. It reports that Microsoft plans to announce a number of partners today that would stream social feed updates onto the Windows Live page. Facebook and Digg are on their list, but no Twitter. Update 10:37a: Twitter feeds are already available on Windows Live.

One of the big questions to emerge from the news that Microsoft is partnering with dozens of Web services to position Windows Live as a central point for managing people's online lives: Where's Facebook and MySpace, the two dominant social networks?

Here's what Chris Jones, the Microsoft corporate vice president in charge of Windows Live, told me via e-mail last night:

Forbes published its annual list of the 400 richest Americans yesterday. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is on top with an estimated $57 billion fortune. Forbes notes that Gates has more than half his fortune outside of Microsoft stock and that his pile has declined 5 percent in the last 12 months. Another interesting note: "Inflation-adjusted net worth would top $90 billion if he hadn't given away any cash."

Microsoft has inked a search distribution deal with social networking site Facebook.

Satya Nadella, senior vice president in charge of Microsoft's search, MSN and ad platform engineering efforts, said Microsoft "will be providing an API to Facebook where they will create a rich search experience, inclusive of Web search."

It will launch in the fall, and will include both Live Search results and Microsoft search advertising.

The company is positioning it as another effort to broaden awareness of its Live Search engine, which Nadella demonstrated at Microsoft's Financial Analyst Meeting today.

Last August, Microsoft and Facebook inked a display advertising deal. In October, Microsoft bought a 1.6 percent stake in Facebook for $240 million.

Update, 11:15 a.m.: The deal is U.S. only. It is apparently exclusive, as Microsoft will be providing search on Facebook's site, a Microsoft spokeswoman said. I've asked Facebook for confirmation that Microsoft will be, in fact, its exclusive U.S. search provider. Facebook has more than 90 million active users globally.

Upate, 11:23 a.m.: Facebook spokesman Matt Hicks said in an email: "We're not disclosing the terms of the search deal, but it is specifically for the U.S."

If it were exclusive, why wouldn't Microsoft and Facebook come out and say so definitively?

Update, 12:04 p.m.: Just got an update from Microsoft: The deal is exclusive to Microsoft for search in the U.S.