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AP Technology NewsBrief at 9:46 a.m. EST(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Ahead of the Bell: Microsoft shakeup drags stockNEW YORK (AP) _ Microsoft shares slid more than 4 percent before the opening bell Tuesday after the software company revealed that Steven Sinofsky, who oversaw its Windows operations, was leaving. Sinofsky's departure comes just weeks after Microsoft launched Windows 8, a major overhaul of the operating system that's used on most of the world's computers. The Windows 8 was met with lackluster reviews. At Mao-style conclave, China embraces Twitter ageBEIJING (AP) _ During China's last party congress, the cadres in charge of the world's most populous nation didn't know a hashtag from a hyperlink. But five years on, there's a new message from Beijing: The political transition will be microblogged. Party officials have this fall embraced social media with unprecedented enthusiasm, hoping it can help guide public opinion and stir up excitement about the staid and scripted party meeting taking place this week in Beijing that kicks off a transition to a new, younger set of top leaders. Review: Online tools make Sandy fundraising easierNEW YORK (AP) _ Superstorm Sandy convinced me that I should do something new: raise money toward hurricane relief. If it weren't for the ease of nudging my friends and family to contribute by way of social media and online fundraising tools, I'm not sure I would have done it. I do know that I wouldn't have been as successful. I have regularly donated in the past, particularly when people I know are raising money for cancer research, youth programs and other charities in connection with a marathon, a triathlon or some other big event. But I've never raised money myself. I didn't want to feel as if I had to run because I was trying to raise money, or that I had to raise money to guarantee a spot in a sold-out running event. I wanted to keep the two completely separate. A year in, YouTube's channels not must-see TV, yetNEW YORK (AP) _ When Google announced its plans to fund some 100 new channels of original programming on YouTube, many expected a transformation in television. Google had disrupted other industries and TV appeared to be next in line. The YouTube channels were trumpeted as the next iteration in television: Just as a handful of networks begat a few hundred cable channels, YouTube would now foster the birth of thousands of channels online. Microsoft says Windows head Sinofsky leavingREDMOND, Wash. (AP) _ Microsoft Corp. said Monday that Steven Sinofsky, the president of its Windows and Windows Live operations, is leaving the company. Sinofsky's departure comes just weeks after the Redmond, Wash., software company launched Windows 8, which represented a major overhaul of its ubiquitous computer operating system. Berlin startup scene gets lift from GoogleBERLIN (AP) _ Google is investing (EURO)1 million ($1.3 million) in a new facility for Internet startups in the German capital Berlin. The city has long been a magnet for young entrepreneurs but lags behind rivals such as San Francisco and London when it comes to launching big-name sites. Kodak reaches deal to borrow $793 millionNEW YORK (AP) _ Struggling photo pioneer Eastman Kodak Co. said Monday that it has reached an agreement to borrow $793 million, an important step in letting it leave bankruptcy protection in the first half of next year. The deal is contingent on Kodak being able to sell its patent portfolio for at least $500 million. The company has been trying to sell that asset for more than a year. In a statement, Kodak says it is "confident it will achieve" that requirement. LED replacements hit stores empty of 100W bulbsNEW YORK (AP) _ Sorry to see 100-watt bulbs disappear from stores because they were energy hogs You can now get LED bulbs that roughly match the 100-watters for size and brightness, but use far less energy. Until recently, your only alternative was a compact fluorescent bulb, which has several drawbacks compared with light-emitting diodes. Most people see the light quality as less pleasing, and the bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that's released if the glass breaks. LEDs, by contrast, don't contain any volatile, hazardous substances and are durable. They also last longer. RIM to unveil new BlackBerry phones on Jan. 30.TORONTO (AP) _ Research In Motion said Monday that it will hold an official launch event for its new BlackBerry 10 smartphones on Jan. 30. The new phones are seen as critical to RIM's survival. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company said Monday details on the much-delayed smartphones and their availability will be announced at the event. Verizon to pay $8.5 billion dividend to its ownersBASKING RIDGE, N.J. (AP) _ Verizon Wireless said Monday that it will pay a dividend of $8.5 billion next month to its owners, Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC., by the end of the year. It's the second dividend payment from Verizon Wireless this year. In January, Verizon Wireless ended a policy of using its cash to pay down debt, which freed up money to pay a $10 billion dividend to both owners. (c) 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |