TMCnet News
AP Technology NewsBrief at 7:06 p.m. EST(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Ask.com adds mobile apps to its search resultsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ You're apt to discover more useful apps for your smartphone or tablet computer at Ask.com beginning Tuesday. At least that's the thinking behind a licensing agreement that Ask's search engine has forged with Silicon Valley startup Quixey, which has spent the past three years refining a technology to analyze the services offered through millions of applications designed for iPhones, iPads, Android gadgets, Windows devices and BlackBerrys. Pandora outlook for loss sparks sell-offOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ Internet radio company Pandora Media Inc. said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit more than tripled to $2 million as revenue rose slightly faster than costs. But it predicted a loss in the fourth quarter, a bad surprise for investors who sent shares tumbling. CEO Joe Kennedy said in an interview that worries about the federal tax increases and government spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1 unless Congress acts _the so-called "fiscal cliff"_ are affecting the advertising revenue outlook. That is especially true for January, when any tax increases could take effect. Pandora's fourth quarter ends at the end of January. Netflix outbids Starz for rights to Disney moviesSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Netflix's Internet video service has landed the U.S. rights to show Disney movies shortly after they leave theaters, a coup that could turn into a costly mistake if the deal doesn't bring in more customers. The multiyear licensing agreement announced Tuesday represents a breakthrough for Netflix as it tries to secure more exclusive programming for a popular service that streams video over high-speed Internet connections. The approach is making Netflix more like traditional pay-TV channels such as HBO, Starz and Showtime. US seeks to drop Internet from UN telecoms talksDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) _ American envoys say they are working with other nations on a proposal to drop all discussions on possible Internet regulations from a U.N. telecommunications conference in Dubai. The U.S. is leading calls to reject possible new codes on the Net by the International Telecommunications Union, a 193-nation body making its first major oversight revisions in nearly 25 years. U.S. representatives held meetings Tuesday on the proposal to take all Internet-related discussions off the table. Yahoo buys more mobile expertise in latest dealSAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Yahoo has bought another Silicon Valley mobile startup as CEO Marissa Mayer tries to create more compelling products for smartphones and tablet computers. Tuesday's acquisition of OnTheAir follows Yahoo's recent purchase of a mobile startup called Stamped. In both cases, Yahoo was drawn more by the engineering talent working at the startups than the services that they have been offering. Qualcomm to invest $120M in Japan's SharpTOKYO (AP) _ Sharp Corp. says Qualcomm Inc. will become a shareholder with an investment of up to 9.9 billion yen ($120 million) that will fund joint development of new LCD screens for mobile devices. The Japanese electronics manufacturer has been struggling with record losses and had its credit rating downgraded to junk by Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's. There has been regular speculation Intel or another technology company would become a shareholder but no major deal has materialized yet. New search engine connects literary dotsNEW YORK (AP) _ Author Jennifer Gilmore is reading a biography of the late David Foster Wallace. She's curious about his most famous book, the novel "Infinite Jest," and wants to poke around on the Internet to learn more. Her destination is Small Demons, www.smalldemons.com, an encyclopedia and "Storyverse" that catalogues names, places, songs, products and other categories for thousands of books. Cameron urges quick creation of press regulatorLONDON (AP) _ Britain's prime minister has warned newspaper editors they must act quickly to set up an independent press regulator in the wake of a media ethics scandal. David Cameron spoke days after a report he commissioned on press wrongdoing proposed that the press should be regulated by an independent body enshrined in law. Struggling Nokia sells headquarters buildingHELSINKI (AP) _ Nokia Corp. plans to sell its head office near the Finnish capital to real estate investors for (EURO)170 million ($220 million) as the struggling cellphone maker continues to cut costs. CFO Timo Ihamuotila says the deal, to be concluded later this month, is in line with aims to shed non-core activities, adding that Nokia will continue to operate from the Espoo headquarters "on a long-term basis." Court upholds $319M verdict in 'Millionaire' caseLOS ANGELES (AP) _ A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a $319 million verdict over profits from the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and rejected Walt Disney Co.'s request for a new trial. A jury decided in 2010 that Disney hid the show's profits from its creators, London-based Celador International. The ruling Monday by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found no issues with the verdict or with a judge's rulings in the case. (c) 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |