New reports reveal that Microsoft and Google may be bringing offline functionality to mobile applications that have historically required users to be connected to the Internet. For its part, Google has just launched [Google Gears for mobile devices](http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2008/03/shifting-google-gears-to-mobile.html). The service has already become a popular tool for laptop users looking for a way to catch up on RSS feeds while traveling without a web link. A number of other popular products are also supported by Google Gears.
Meanwhile, it looks like Microsoft may be heading down a similar path. Company representatives revealed that their Silverlight browser plugin will “[eventually](http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9884498-7.html)” contain offline capabilities. And thanks to Nokia’s plans to use Silverlight, those offline capabilities will likely be available on millions of cell phones.