Verizon Wireless has confirmed it plans to join the Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) established by China Mobile, Softbank and parent Vodafone.

The JIL says it is initially focused on creating a single global platform for developers to encourage the creation of mobile widgets.

Tools will include a common widgets specification, easy-to-use dev kits, and an online repository, distribution and payment mechanism.

The idea is to get the widgets to market as quickly as possible across the partners' combined one billion global user-base.

JIL Chairman Masayoshi Son, said: “As well as driving innovation in the mobile developer world, this initiative is set to empower consumers by giving them access to a range of easy-to-use and compelling web applications that will enable them to get even more benefits from their handsets.”