Leaked documents from wireless technology firm Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM) indicate the company will release new dual core processors to compete with Samsung’s (South Korea: 005930) Exynos mobile phone processor. The documents also reveal plans for the release of a quad-core processor in early 2013. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processor powers most handsets operating on Google’s (NSDQ: GOOG) Android operating system and mobile phones that run on Microsoft’s (NSDQ: MSFT) Windows Phone 7 platform.

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) rolled out its national fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile telecommunications network in 19 cities in July. The first tower was activated on July 1 in New York City. Verizon also introduced new data plans in July that effectively put an end to unlimited data use for wireless subscribers. Existing Verizon smartphone users will still receive unlimited data use for $30 per month. New smartphone users will pay $30 for 2GB of data. 

Shares of Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) closed at an all-time high of $76.93 on July 1. Norfolk Southern shares climbed 2.56 percent in June, outperforming competing rail operators.

Chip maker Intel (NSDQ, INTC) has offered top-tier notebook PC makers undisclosed financial incentives to develop Intel’s “ultrabook” concept. The ultrabook will combine the features of the traditional notebooks with those of new tablet computers. The light and functional devices may be priced under $1,000. Taiwan-based ASUSTEK Computer (Taiwan: 2357) will be the first PC maker to release an ultrabook in time for the Christmas shopping season.