SimCity Social is now out of beta and live on Facebook, as a free-to-play version of the virtual city-building video game that spawned a Sim empire. "SimCity Social will entice a new generation of urban planners with its easy-to-use tools that allow anyone to expand and grow their own unique sprawling metropolises and watch as it comes to life in fun and unexpected ways," commented Jami Laes, VP of Global Studios for Playfish, which collaborated with Maxis to make it happen.Continue reading...

Nokia envisions mobile networks by 2015. [Mobile Behavior]

Starbucks' Via rollout too aggro for some customers and baristas. [BusinessWeek]

For holidays, e-commerce sites roll out coupons, free shipping. [Econsultancy]

Wal-Mart plans to avoid repeat of last year's deadly Black Friday. [Business Insider]

Nine-figure deals for Playdom and Playfish show soaring valuations for social gamers. [CNET]

Sarah Palin faces press to promote new $5 million book, Going Rogue. [NY Times]