Strumors - Technologyhttp://strumors.com/sector/technologyhttp://strumors.com/1882Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer warned that all of Microsoft's businesses will be effected by the current recession in the months to come. Ballmer also reiterated today that although a full acquisition of Yahoo was not currently a possibility they would like to continue conversations with Yang's replacement Carol Bartz.Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:01:03 -0500http://strumors.com/1882http://strumors.com/1879According to the Wall Street Journal, Dell maybe be prepared to launch a high-end smart phone as early as next month. The report indicated that the mobile phone will feature a touch screen similar to Apple's iPhone.Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:02:02 -0500http://strumors.com/1879http://strumors.com/1877Shares of Microsoft plunged to a 11 year low as the company reported disappointing earnings for the quarter and announced that it would be laying off 5,000 workers. Microsoft reported earnings of 47 cents per share slightly lower than the 50 cents per share they reported for the same quarter a year prior.Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:00:09 -0500http://strumors.com/1877http://strumors.com/1873Motorola stated that it will need to cut another 4,000 employees, nearly 6 percent of its workforce, and issued a warning that it post a loss for its fourth quarter. The company indicated that its mobile phone sales were significantly weaker than expected as the continues to lose market share in the mobile market to Nokia.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:02:01 -0500http://strumors.com/1873http://strumors.com/1872CEO Steve Jobs will take a medical leave of absence from Apple until the end of June. Jobs stated that his health has become too distracting for the company. Tim Cook will lead Apple's day to day operations. Jobs didn't provide any specifics but indicated that his health-related issues "are more complex than I originally thought."Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:02:01 -0500http://strumors.com/1872http://strumors.com/1871Seagate technologies announced Monday that Stephen Luczo will be replacing its chief executive William Watkins, and that the company will be reducing its workforce by 10 percent. The hard drive industry has seen lackluster sales due to the economic slowdown, and at the same time Seagate has lost nearly 79.2 percent of its market share over the past 12 months.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:02:02 -0500http://strumors.com/1871http://strumors.com/1864Google has just released a pre-beta version of Chrome 2.0, Google's new web browser. In the new version Google changed the network protocol to HTTP network protocol from the current WinHTTP library. The HTTP network protocol is compatible across multiple platforms including Mac and Linux. Currently, Mac and Linux support are the top requested features for Google chrome. The new browser, released late last year, has already claimed nearly 1 percent of the total browser market.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:01:06 -0500http://strumors.com/1864http://strumors.com/1862At the 2009 CES conference today, Microsoft announced its new IPTV platform named Anytime TV. Anytime TV allows users to access previously aired shows directly from its integrated program guide at any time without any preplanning or any prior DVR recording.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:01:07 -0500http://strumors.com/1862http://strumors.com/1859Steve Ballmer stated in an interview that the acquisition of Yahoo Inc by Microsoft is "a thing of the past." The news puts an end to recent rumors that talks between the two companies had been revived.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:01:06 -0500http://strumors.com/1859http://strumors.com/1858EMC, the world largest supplier of external storage devices, plans to cut 2,400 people or 7 percent of its workforce in order to reduce costs. The news comes in spite of the company announcing projected fourth-quarter results in-line with expectations.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:02:00 -0500http://strumors.com/1858http://strumors.com/1856Intel reported that it's fourth quarter sales dropped 23 percent more than previously projected. Intel sited that the global recession significantly lowered demand for personal computers. The news hit the entire economy as more investors became nervous that the recession may be far from over.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:02:00 -0500http://strumors.com/1856http://strumors.com/1853Adobe and Broadcom announced the integration of Adobe Flash support into Broadcom's latest digital television and set top box system-on-a-chip platforms. The collaboration between the companies brings the way to deliver rich flash based entertainment to new television sets.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:02:00 -0500http://strumors.com/1853http://strumors.com/1852Sales of semiconductors dropped 9.8 percent in November, as consumers halted their spending habits. The world wide economic crisis is having an impact on the demand for semiconductors; however, to a lessor degree than many other sectors. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:01:01 -0500http://strumors.com/1852http://strumors.com/1848It is no secret that Google is hoping that its new mobile Android operating system based on Linux can be used for more devices other than just mobile phones. And according to recent reports, Google's new OS already contains policies in the operating system for phones as well as MID. Intel refers to MID as mobile internet devices, commonly marketed as netbooks. Enthusiasts are hoping that 2009 maybe the year that a Google desktop operating system comes to life.Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:01:00 -0500http://strumors.com/1848http://strumors.com/1838As corporate spending on computers, software, and information technology continues to drop, rumors of layoffs at Microsoft are continuing to mount. An employee of Microsoft posted on a blog that, "Just heard on the finance grapevine. MSFT layoffs are coming on January 15th. They are substantial.". Just a few days ago Oppenheimer & Co stated in a report to Microsoft that a layoff of as much as 10 percent would be beneficial for the company.Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:01:06 -0400http://strumors.com/1838http://strumors.com/1831A new patent illustrates Microsoft's vision for a personal computer where instead of consumers paying an upfront cost, the hardware would be heavily subsidized with the user paying for usage. Sat, 03 Nov 2007 05:01:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1831http://strumors.com/1830Although the iPhone continues to sell well, the iPod Touch is really performing. The device, marketed as a gaming device, currently holds the number 1, 2, and 5th best spots on Amazon. According to Web metrics Net Applications iPod Touch traffic was up nearly 4 times on Christmas day compared to earlier December.Sat, 03 Nov 2007 05:01:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1830http://strumors.com/1829Brokerage firm Oppenheimer & Co's, analyst Brad Reback stated that in a report sent to Microsoft that a layoff of 10 percent of its workforce "would be a healthy move for the company." Reback stated that a 10 percent reduction in the company's payrolls, approximately 9,100 employees, would result in an approximate 10 percent gain in its earnings per share.Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:01:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1829http://strumors.com/1824Nintendo announced that its Wii will finally be receiving video downloads. Nintendo has teamed up with Japanese Ad Firm Dentsu to roll out its new video on demand service. The new service will offer both free (ad supported) content as well as subscription based offerings. Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:01:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1824http://strumors.com/1820According to research firm iSuppi Corp, notebook sales climbed nearly 40 percent last quarter to outsell desktops first the first time. Deep discounts at both Hewlett Packard and Dell have helped fuel consumer demand and strong sales overseas have helped sales despite a huge slowdown in U.S. spending.Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:01:04 -0400http://strumors.com/1820http://strumors.com/1816Micron Technology reported $706 million loss for its first fiscal quarter. The company wrote down the value of its inventory due to falling product prices. The company has been experiencing much lower demand for its memory chips as the economy continues to weaken. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:01:07 -0400http://strumors.com/1816http://strumors.com/1813Microsoft has extended its XP licensing deadline for computer manufactures to March 31, 2009. Microsoft officially stopped selling the operating system to retailers in June 2008; however, it allowed oem's to sell new licenses until January 31, 2009. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 22:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1813http://strumors.com/1806Shares of Research in Motion climbed over 11 percent Friday after the company reported earnings above analyst forecasts. Storm, its new smart phone released last month, produced higher than expected sales leading the company to record sales for the quarter.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:00:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1806http://strumors.com/1802Nvidia is hoping to cash in on some of the growing netbook market. On December 17th, Nvidia announced its "Ion" platform for mini-notebooks. The platform combines its 9400 series GPU with Intel's atom CPU's and is designed to allow users the capabilities for high-end graphics on low priced netbooks.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:01:06 -0400http://strumors.com/1802http://strumors.com/1799The $99 iPhone rumor is officially squashed, as sources from within Walmart have leaked that the iPhone will be sold for $197 for the 8GB version and $297 for the 16GB version starting December 28th. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1799http://strumors.com/1795Steve Jobs will not be presenting the 2009 keynote at Macworld this year. Apple's Senior Vice President, Phil Schiller, will take his place. Apple also announced that this would be its last Macworld conference stating that its direct relations with consumers through its retail stores and through its website to be taking away the need for trade shows.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:01:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1795http://strumors.com/1792Midway is planning to eliminate nearly 25 percent of its workforce and suspend development on a number of titles in order to cut expenses. According to a regulatory filing today, Midway is planning to close its studio in Austin Texas and eliminate 180 of its employees. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1792http://strumors.com/1784Baidu Inc. lowered its fourth quarter earnings guidance to 131 to 133 million from 151 to 155 million. The news comes just after the company suspended thousands of merchants from its advertising program who were selling medical products without the proper licenses. The company stated the reduced earnings was also due to the economic slowdown in China, particularly in the advertising sector.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:00:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1784http://strumors.com/1778Just 100 days after its launch, Google has officially brought its new web browser, Google Chrome, out of beta. The news comes as a surprise, as Google has traditional left some products in beta for years. Since its launch, Google Chrome has attracted more then 10 million users world-wide.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1778http://strumors.com/1773Shares of Yahoo jumped nearly 10 percent Wednesday, after a large shareholder stated that the company should sell revive discussions with Microsoft to sale its search division. Ivory Investment Management speculates that Yahoo's search division is worth $15 billion alone.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1773http://strumors.com/1766Craig Berger, an analyst from Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., stated Friday that Intel may be preparing to cut as much as 10 percent of its workforce and cut its fourth quarter guidance for a second time as the economic crisis has sharply cut computer spending. The move would lead to 8,300 positions being cut. Intel declined to comment on the story.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:01:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1766http://strumors.com/1761Microsoft may not be interested in acquiring all of Yahoo, but the company is still interested in acquiring Yahoo's search division. According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer on Friday stated that a deal with Yahoo would be better if done sooner than later. Microsoft also announced Thursday that it had agreed to hire Qi Lu, president of Yahoo's online services business.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:00:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1761http://strumors.com/1759Facebook launched a new open api Friday named Friend Connect. Friend Connect allows other sites to provide Facebook authentication. Google also announced Google Friend Connect just one hour earlier as the two companies continue to battle over Internet market share.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:01:07 -0400http://strumors.com/1759http://strumors.com/1755According to recent rumors, Wal-Mart may soon start selling a 4GB $99 iPhone. Wal-Mart does not seem to coincide with Apple strategy nor with Apple indicating they have no plans to release a low priced notebook. However, in October, Steve Jobs indicated that they needed to be aware of competitors grabbing market share by releasing much lower costs smart phones.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:02:01 -0400http://strumors.com/1755http://strumors.com/1754The iPhone has claimed 16.6 percent of the global smartphone market. The company has been gaining market share at the expense of Nokia and Palm. Just one year ago Nokia dominated the market with 63.6 percent market share; however, this year alone it has lost nearly 20 percent of its market share.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1754http://strumors.com/1752Adobe lowered its fourth quarter earnings forecast to $912 million to $915 million from $925 million to $955 million siting weakness in the economy. The company plans to cut 600 positions in order to help bolster its income.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1752http://strumors.com/1747Safari's Market share has reached over 7 percent, according to net applications, a online research firm. Mozilla Firefox posted a 1 percent increase in market share to claim 20 percent of the market. Internet Explorer continues to slowly lose market share now just below 70 percent.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1747http://strumors.com/1741Despite Steve Ballmer indicating that Microsoft was not interested in acquiring Yahoo, now according to the UK Times Microsoft is talking to acquire Yahoo's search division for $20 billion. Microsoft is not planning to bid for the entire company for which it abandoned its $47.5 billion proposal last year. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:01:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1741http://strumors.com/1736Billionaire investor Carl Icahn has acquired an additional 6.8 million more shares through entities he controls, according to recent government filings. The shares were acquired between Monday and Wednesday between $9.80 and $10.00. Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:01:03 -0400http://strumors.com/1736http://strumors.com/1731Apple Inc. who is facing a tighter consumer spending environment this holiday season, may be set to offer discounts as high as 15 percent. In the years past, Apple has cut prices by 5 to 10 percent; however, this year Amazon and Best Buy are already discounting Apple products. Best Buy is currently offering $100 to $150 off of certain laptops, and Apple is expected to match these price discounts.Fri, 02 Nov 2007 02:01:07 -0400http://strumors.com/1731http://strumors.com/1711Salesforce.com reported a 55 percent increase its third-quarter profits. Salesforce reported net income of $10.1 million or 8 cents per share, significantly higher than $6.5 million or 5 cents per share for the same quarter a year prior. Salesforce provides monthly subscription based online management software.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:02:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1711http://strumors.com/1708Shares of Yahoo dropped over 20 percent Wednesday, after Steve Ballmer told shareholders that the company was no longer interested in acquiring Yahoo. He reiterated that a partnership between the two companies would provide for interesting opportunities; however, he noted that no current discussions have been taking place.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:01:09 -0400http://strumors.com/1708http://strumors.com/1703Shares of Hewlett Packard rose over 14 percent Tuesday, after the company issued Q4 earnings guidance slightly higher than analysts were anticipating. HP's solid guidance comes at a time that businesses are trimming down their PC purchases and consumer spending continues to decline.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:02:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1703http://strumors.com/1701CEO Jerry Yang has agreed to resign from Yahoo. Yang helped co-found the company nearly 13 years ago; however, after refusing a takeover bid from Microsoft, Yahoo's stock has suffered. The next CEO will be tasked with a daunting task of rebuilding Yahoo's declining advertising business and regain lost market share. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:02:03 -0400http://strumors.com/1701http://strumors.com/1699Shares of Baidu dropped over 27 percent Monday as a Chinese media outlet released news that the company received money from medical companies to buy keywords. CCTV reported that non-accredited websites purchased medical keywords in order to appear creditable and boost their rankings. Analyst Piper Jaffray noted that the financial impact on Baidu is likely to much less than it appears as the total pharmaceutical and medical keywords section makes up a small portion of their overall advertising sales.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1699http://strumors.com/1697Adobe and ARM announced today plans to enable Flash Player 10 and Adobe AIR support for ARM devices. ARM CPU's used across many mobile devices including the iPhone. The iPhone does not currently support flash back due to performance reasons. This move should provide the performance necessary to bring Flash to mobile devices.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1697http://strumors.com/1695Google released their new voice search service for Apple's iPhone; however, the company has not yet released a version compatible with its own mobile operating system. Google is hoping the new search application, which also utilizes GPS to locate near by services, will allow Google to charge higher rates for local business search advertisements.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:01:00 -0400http://strumors.com/1695http://strumors.com/1688Sun Microsystems is planning to lay-off nearly 15 to 18 percent of its staff in order to reduce its expenses next year. The move could place as many as 6,000 of its employees without work. The plan is meant to reduce Sun's operating costs by $700 to $800 million annually.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1688http://strumors.com/1687In January, Dell's Chief Technology Officer Kevin Kettler plans to leave the company after 13 years. Kettler will leave the company to spend more time with his family and focus on personal interests. Last week Dell asked its employees to consider taking up to five days unpaid vacation as its continues to struggle with lackluster consumer demand.Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:01:08 -0400http://strumors.com/1687http://strumors.com/1683Research in Motion is preparing to launch its next version of the BlackBerry. The new touch screen version will begin selling November 21st and will compete directly with Google's Android and Apple's iPhone. The BlackBerry storm will sell for $199 after a $50 mail-in rebate for users who sign a two-year contract with Verizon. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:02:01 -0400http://strumors.com/1683