Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Apple's Cook fields his A-team before a wary Wall Street

Apple's Cook fields his A-team before a wary Wall Street


Apple's Cook fields his A-team before a wary Wall Street

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 08:18 PM PDT

Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook takes the stage during Apple Inc.'s iPhone media event in San FranciscoSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook's new go-to management team of mostly familiar faces failed to drum up much excitement on Wall Street, driving its shares to a three-month low on Wednesday. The world's most valuable technology company, which had faced questions about a visionary-leadership vacuum following the death of Steve Jobs, on Monday stunned investors by announcing the ouster of chief mobile software architect Scott Forstall and retail chief John Browett -- the latter after six months on the job. ...


Sony, Sharp in turnaround battle; Panasonic battered

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 07:53 PM PDT

Sony Corp's speakers are displayed at an electronics store in TokyoTOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp is likely to say it returned to an operating profit for July-September after it sold a chemicals business, but investors still aren't sure a consumer electronics revamp will deliver the profit growth the group seeks. Sony shares, valued at less than $12 billion, have dropped 19 percent since end-June and its 5-year credit default swaps - the cost of insuring against debt default - have jumped by almost 60 percent. The benchmark Nikkei average is down by less than 1 percent. ...


Senate likely to revisit cyber bill when Congress returns

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:50 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hopes to reintroduce cyber security legislation opposed by business groups once lawmakers return after Tuesday's election, a Senate aide said, adding that a White House executive order might pave the way for a compromise on the bill. ...

Pipsqueek: The First Bluetooth Smartphone for Kids [VIDEO]

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 04:57 PM PDT

Do your little ones constantly ask to play with your cellphone? Maybe it's time for them to have their own -- one made especially for kids.

10 Clever Cats That Learned to Open Doors [VIDEOS]

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:29 PM PDT

1. Maine Coon Cat Opens Door!

High-Tech Ways to Save on Home Energy Costs

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 08:04 AM PDT

My home energy bills keep going up — and I don't imagine I'm alone. But in addition to the usual solutions like "turn down your thermostat" and "switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs — or better yet, LEDs", I've discovered some high-tech tools that help save energy — and money. The Department of Energy estimates [...]

Pentagon sees further use of BlackBerry as door opens to others

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:53 PM PDT

A Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry smartphone handset is reflected in the logo of an Apple iPhone in this illustration picture taken in LavignyWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Wednesday said it would continue to support "large numbers" of BlackBerry phones made by Research in Motion Ltd even as it moves forward with plans that would allow the U.S. military to begin using Apple Inc's iPhone and other devices. The U.S. Defense Department last week invited companies to submit bids for software that can monitor, manage and enforce security requirements for devices made by Apple and Google Inc, with an eye to awarding a contract in April. ...


China's Twitter-like Weibo poses danger, opportunity for new leaders

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:05 PM PDT

File photo of a man smoking while using a computer at an Internet cafe in TaiyuanSHANGHAI (Reuters) - As China prepares for a generational power shift in the next two weeks, a similar shift is happening online that is testing the limits and displaying the evolution of China's legions of state-directed censors. Since its launch three years ago, Weibo, China's version of Twitter, has become the country's water cooler, a place where nearly 300 million Internet users opine on everything from Korean soap operas to China's latest political intrigue. ...


Rosetta Stone and Google settle trademark lawsuit

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:26 PM PDT

A woman walks past the Google Chicago headquarters logo in Chicago(Reuters) - Language-software maker Rosetta Stone Inc has agreed to drop its trademark infringement lawsuit against Google Inc over the search engine company's advertising practices. The companies agreed to settle all claims and dismiss the suit, according to a filing on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. The terms of the settlement were not specified. The case tested whether Google's sale of other companies' trademarks for sponsored links could give rise to liability for trademark infringement. ...


Android apps for improving women’s health

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:54 PM PDT

It's important for everyone to strive for a healthy lifestyle, but we all have our special needs. Women in particular have different health goals than men, as age and dietary needs also play a role. Fortunately for the modern woman, we have countless resources at hand, many available as Android apps. Here's a few that address fitness, breast cancer, health education, stress reduction and more.

China launches probe of European solar silicon

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 09:11 PM PDT

China says it has launched a trade probe of European solar-grade polysilicon in the latest of a series of disputes with the United States and European Union.

Apple's Cook fields his A-team before a wary Wall Street

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 08:18 PM PDT

Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook takes the stage during Apple Inc.'s iPhone media event in San FranciscoSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook's new go-to management team of mostly familiar faces failed to drum up much excitement on Wall Street, driving its shares to a three-month low on Wednesday. The world's most valuable technology company, which had faced questions about a visionary-leadership vacuum following the death of Steve Jobs, on Monday stunned investors by announcing the ouster of chief mobile software architect Scott Forstall and retail chief John Browett -- the latter after six months on the job. ...


Sony, Sharp in turnaround battle; Panasonic battered

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 07:53 PM PDT

Sony Corp's speakers are displayed at an electronics store in TokyoTOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp is likely to say it returned to an operating profit for July-September after it sold a chemicals business, but investors still aren't sure a consumer electronics revamp will deliver the profit growth the group seeks. Sony shares, valued at less than $12 billion, have dropped 19 percent since end-June and its 5-year credit default swaps - the cost of insuring against debt default - have jumped by almost 60 percent. The benchmark Nikkei average is down by less than 1 percent. ...


Facebook Wants to Take Down Craigslist, Again

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 06:51 PM PDT

Facebook Wants to Take Down Craigslist, AgainAfter letting it lie dormant for years, Facebook is pumping resources into an often overlooked tool called Marketplace. It's a lot like the old tool called Marketplace, only more expensive.


BMC 2Q earns beat Street; OKs $1B share buyback

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 05:52 PM PDT

BMC Software said Wednesday that its second-quarter net income fell from a year ago as revenue slipped and marketing expenses rose. The earnings still beat analyst expectations and the company approved the buyback of 15 percent of its outstanding shares in the next 12 months. Its stock rose on the news.

News Summary: Icahn sees potential in Netflix

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 05:42 PM PDT

OPPORTUNISTIC INVESTOR: Billionaire Carl Icahn disclosed Wednesday that he and his investment funds have accumulated a 10 percent stake in Netflix Inc. Icahn told The Associated Press he is interested in the Internet video subscription service because he believes it's "very undervalued."

Disney unlikely to change 'Star Wars' brand

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 05:39 PM PDT

FILE - In this Oct. 15, 2011 file photo, "Darth Vader" accepts the Ultimate Villain award from "Star Wars" creator George Lucas during the 2011 Scream Awards, in Los Angeles. A decade after George Lucas said "Star Wars" was finished on the big screen, a new trilogy is destined for theaters after The Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, that it was buying Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4.05 billion. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)Naysayers would have you believe Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm can only mean one thing: Bambi and Mickey Mouse are sure to appear in future "Star Wars" movies taking up lightsabers against the dark side of the Force.


Netflix stock soars on news of Carl Icahn's stake

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 05:36 PM PDT

FILE - In this March 16, 2010 file photo, financier Carl Icahn poses for photos upon arriving for the 32nd annual New York City Police Foundation Gala in New York. In a Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 regulatory filing, Icahn revealed he had used some of his $14 billion fortune to accumulate a 10 percent stake in Netflix Inc. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams, File)Netflix's slumping stock price and weakening financial performance has finally attracted an opportunistic and sometimes nettlesome investor in Carl Icahn.


Pipsqueek: The First Bluetooth Smartphone for Kids [VIDEO]

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 04:57 PM PDT

Do your little ones constantly ask to play with your cellphone? Maybe it's time for them to have their own -- one made especially for kids.

Elpida says court approves acquisition by Micron

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 04:20 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Micron Technology's plan to acquire Japanese memory chipmaker Elpida took a big step toward completion after a Tokyo court approved the agreement and dismissed a rival plan promoted by a group of bondholders. A district court in Tokyo said on Wednesday it was referring bankrupt Elpida's plan to be bought by U.S. chipmaker Micron to creditors for approval, according to a news release on Elpida's website. ...

MGM expects online gaming license, state compacts

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 04:04 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - MGM Resorts International Ltd's CEO expects his company to obtain an online gaming license from Nevada regulators this week, and said states are talking with each other to forge alliances to create a viable interactive gambling market. Obtaining the Nevada license would move MGM one step closer to entering the online field, which is expected to reach $10 billion a year nationwide by 2017. The sector is seen attracting younger players and offering a new avenue for growth to traditional casino operators whose growth has been stagnating. ...

Experts: SC hacking largest vs. state tax agency

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:55 PM PDT

Millions of Social Security numbers and business records from tax returns as far back as 1998 were hacked in South Carolina and experts said Wednesday it may be the largest cyber-attack against a state tax department in the nation's history.

Pentagon sees further use of BlackBerry as door opens to others

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:53 PM PDT

A Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry smartphone handset is reflected in the logo of an Apple iPhone in this illustration picture taken in LavignyWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Wednesday said it would continue to support "large numbers" of BlackBerry phones made by Research in Motion Ltd even as it moves forward with plans that would allow the U.S. military to begin using Apple Inc's iPhone and other devices. The U.S. Defense Department last week invited companies to submit bids for software that can monitor, manage and enforce security requirements for devices made by Apple and Google Inc, with an eye to awarding a contract in April. ...


Senate likely to revisit cyber bill when Congress returns

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:50 PM PDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hopes to reintroduce cyber security legislation opposed by business groups once lawmakers return after Tuesday's election, a Senate aide said, adding that a White House executive order might pave the way for a compromise on the bill. ...

BMC Software to buy back $1 billion of shares

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:45 PM PDT

(Reuters) - Business software maker BMC Software Inc reported lower-than-expected revenue and announced a $1 billion share repurchase plan after a strategic review. BMC, which was under pressure from hedge fund Elliott Management to sell itself, recently approached potential suitors, Reuters reported earlier this month, citing sources. The company expects to complete the share repurchase within the next 12 months. The new authorization brings the company's total outstanding share buyback plan to about $1.5 billion. Shares of the Houston, Texas-based company were up 2 percent at $41. ...

Open Text profit beats estimates on cloud services

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:40 PM PDT

(Reuters) - Canadian business software company Open Text Corp's adjusted quarterly profit handily beat estimates, as its expansion into cloud computing services began to pay off, although revenue from licenses fell short of its expectations. Open Text expanded its presence in cloud computing earlier this year when it bought EasyLink Services International Corp for $232 million. Cloud computing services accounted for $44.9 million of the company's total revenue of $326.2 million in the first quarter ended September 30. ...

Beauty Tips from Protoplanet Vesta; Hypnotize Those Hot Flashes Away

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:33 PM PDT

Beauty Tips from Protoplanet Vesta; Hypnotize Those Hot Flashes AwayDiscovered: A protoplanet with no signs of aging; hypnosis helps with hot flashes; even nocturnal redheads could get skin cancer; guys who work out have stronger sperm.


10 Clever Cats That Learned to Open Doors [VIDEOS]

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:29 PM PDT

1. Maine Coon Cat Opens Door!

Facebook stock down after post-IPO lock-up expires

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:14 PM PDT

Facebook's stock price fell Wednesday, the day employees were eligible to start selling restricted stock in the company.

For a Second We Had to Imagine Life Without Gmail

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 03:13 PM PDT

For a Second We Had to Imagine Life Without GmailFor a few minutes, the already deprived masses thought that the 21st century comfort gods had taken away Google's services, in addition to the electricity, cell service, and WiFi that Sandy had left them without. According to frantic tweets and DownRightNow.com Gmail, Gchat, Google Reader and other Google things didn't work for about five minutes just before 6 p.m.. At the time, that seemed utterly unfair considering the circumstances of life right now, in which people are forced to huddle around the 21st century fire that is the surge protector. ...


You Should Fear a Zombie Apocalypse -- It's Science

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:56 PM PDT

You Should Fear a Zombie Apocalypse -- It's ScienceShould you be stocking up on brains to feed the undead that will rise on Halloween night? Well, not quite. But according to this highly scientific whiteboard drawing, a zombie apocalypse is technically possible.


Facebook Profile Pics Could Go on Display at Louvre, Met Museum [VIDEO]

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:31 PM PDT

Facebook Profile Pics Could Go on Display at Louvre, Met Museum [VIDEO]Da Vinci, Monet, van Gogh and Picasso: They've created some of the world's most remarkable and memorable paintings, but do they really have anything on your Facebook pictures?


Changing channels; Sony, Sharp in turnaround battle

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:27 PM PDT

Sony Corp's speakers are displayed at an electronics store in TokyoTOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp is likely to say it returned to an operating profit for July-September after it sold a chemicals business, but investors still aren't sure a consumer electronics revamp will deliver the profit growth the group seeks. Sony shares, valued at less than $12 billion, have dropped 16 percent since end-June and its 5-year credit default swaps - the cost of insuring against debt default - have jumped by almost 60 percent. The benchmark Nikkei average is down by less than 1 percent. ...


Rosetta Stone and Google settle trademark lawsuit

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:26 PM PDT

A woman walks past the Google Chicago headquarters logo in Chicago(Reuters) - Language-software maker Rosetta Stone Inc has agreed to drop its trademark infringement lawsuit against Google Inc over the search engine company's advertising practices. The companies agreed to settle all claims and dismiss the suit, according to a filing on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. The terms of the settlement were not specified. The case tested whether Google's sale of other companies' trademarks for sponsored links could give rise to liability for trademark infringement. ...


UK lawmakers to grill Starbucks, Amazon and Google on tax

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:25 PM PDT

LONDON (Reuters) - A UK parliamentary committee has invited executives from Starbucks Corp, Google Inc and Amazon.com Inc to answer questions about their tax practices, which allow them to make significant sales in the UK, but pay little tax here. The Public Accounts Committee asked senior officials from the companies to address a hearing on November 5, but a spokesman said scheduling problems could mean the hearing might be held later in November. He said none of the companies had declined to attend in principle. ...

How the AP-GfK poll was conducted

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:19 PM PDT

The Associated Press-GfK poll on gridlock in Washington was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications from Oct. 19-23. It is based on landline telephone and cellphone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 1,186 adults, including 1,041 registered voters and 839 likely voters. Interviews were conducted with 713 respondents on landline telephones and 473 on cellular phones.

When the Storm Made This News Junkie Go Cold Turkey

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT

When the Storm Made This News Junkie Go Cold TurkeyWhat I'm paid to do is be your news junkie. And for the last two days, Hurricane Sandy made that impossible. If you really want to simplify, a lot of my job comes down to watching Twitter every minute or three and making some sense out of it for you, my dear readers. I am constantly looking at some news trying to pluck out the stories that are interesting and tell you why. And yes, like anyone on Twitter, sometimes I'll get sidetracked and click something like the "25 Reasons Ryan Gosling Is Amazing." But that all stopped on Monday night when I lost both power and cell service. ...


iPhone 5 boosts Cirrus Logic's revenue; shares jump

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:12 PM PDT

(Reuters) - Audio chipmaker Cirrus Logic Inc, whose chips were used in Apple Inc's iPhone 5, reported a 91 percent jump in second-quarter sales and its forecast for current-quarter revenue crushed analysts' estimates. Shares of Cirrus rose as much as 11 percent in after-market trading on Wednesday before settling back near their closing level of $40.78 on the Nasdaq. Apple, which accounted for 62 percent of Cirrus Logic's total sales last year, said on October 26 that its latest iPhone was heavily backlogged. Apple shipped 26.9 million iPhones in its fourth quarter. ...

Where You're Not Likely to Get Cell Service Because of Sandy

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:08 PM PDT

Where You're Not Likely to Get Cell Service Because of SandyIt's hard to tell exactly where the cell phone outages are happening without exact information from the wireless companies, but because of the way cell phone technology works, we know that the densest areas with the most power outages and the worst weather damage—i.e., downtown Manhattan—are where cell service is hurting the most. Here's what we know: The Federal Communications Commission said Sandy knocked out 25 percent of all cell sites. ...


China's Twitter-like Weibo poses danger, opportunity for new leaders

Posted: 31 Oct 2012 02:05 PM PDT

File photo of a man smoking while using a computer at an Internet cafe in TaiyuanSHANGHAI (Reuters) - As China prepares for a generational power shift in the next two weeks, a similar shift is happening online that is testing the limits and displaying the evolution of China's legions of state-directed censors. Since its launch three years ago, Weibo, China's version of Twitter, has become the country's water cooler, a place where nearly 300 million Internet users opine on everything from Korean soap operas to China's latest political intrigue. ...


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