Sony, Microsoft Face Off; Investors Sour on Lululemon
Here's a rundown of the week's smartest moves and biggest blunders in the business world.
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Are You Paying the iTunes Tax?
Nearly half of U.S. states charge sales tax on digital goods: If you live in one of them, you may be paying more for everything from downloaded music to streaming video.
Apple Apologizes in China Following Criticism by State Media
Apple apologized to Chinese consumers after government media attacked its repair policies for two weeks in a campaign that reeked of economic nationalism.
Registers Cash Out as Retailers Turn to Mobile Payment Devices
Stores across the country are ditching cash registers and having salespeople -- and even shoppers themselves -- ring up sales on smartphones and tablet computers.
Original Apple I Computer Goes on the Block at Christie's
An original Apple I -- the first computer developed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak -- will go on the block at Christie's of London, where it's expected to fetch up to $127,000. That's about 190 times the original price -- $666.66
A Big Week for Earnings: Apple, Facebook, Netflix and Starbucks
This week, we'll be seeing how some of the most famous stocks in America are doing: Apple, Facebook, Netflix and Starbucks will report earnings, and there are sure to be a few surprises.
Nexus Q: 3 Reasons You'll Pass on Google's Supercool New Toy
Nexus Q -- Google's new home-theater device -- is going to turn a lot of heads next month. The stylish spherical device is a social sharing media device and cloud-based jukebox. It's way cool -- and it'll probably be a flop.
As Seen on TV: Is the Music Bullet Worth a Shot?
We love that we can listen to nearly any song, instantly, on our computers. What we hate is the flat, tinny sound from their cheap built-in speakers. As Seen on TV has a $20 solution: the shot-glass-sized Music Bullet. Sound too good to be true? We tested it out, and here's what we heard.
Music Lovers, Get Ready to Say Goodbye to CDs
We've seen vinyl, 8-track and cassettes come and go. Why should the CD be any different? Side-Line Music Magazine reports that major record labels plan to abandon the CD by the end of 2012 -- if not sooner.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs Dies at 56
After a lengthy battle with his health, co-founder and the face of consumer technology giant Apple, died Wednesday at the age of 56. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives," the company said in a statement.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs Dead at 56
After a lengthy battle with his health, co-founder and the face of consumer technology giant Apple, died Wednesday at the age of 56. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives," the company said in a statement.
E-Book Soundtracks: The Next Revolution in Reading?
New startup Booktracks is creating soundtracks for e-books with technology that tracks your reading speed and syncs the sound perfectly to the text. The company promises it will revolutionize reading, and authors like Salman Rushdie and Jay McInerney are giving it a try. But do books really need a Hollywood makeover?
My 3 Cents: Fix It or Nix It? A Gadget Conundrum
Your favorite gadget just broke, and is no longer under warranty. Should you repair it or replace it? DailyFinance consumer advisor Regina Lewis examines the best options for your ongoing consumer electronics happiness.
Could Samsung Suit Leave U.S. Without iPads and iPhones?
The intellectual property battle between Samsung and Apple has grown a bit more serious: Samsung has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to block the importation of iPads, iPhones, and iPods into the United States for patent violations. It's not a hollow threat.
Peter Lynch's Investing Advice to His Daughter Works for the Rest of Life, Too
When you're the daughter of investment guru Peter Lynch, it's kind of hard not to pick up great financial advice from dear old dad, even when he's not going out of his way to give it to you. That was the case for Annie Lukowski, one of three daughters of the famed Fidelity Investments Magellan fund manager.
A Bear Outlook for Apple? Analysts Cautious on Sales
Apple's shares are trading at about $347, just shy of their all-time high of $364.90, which they hit in February. It's second quarter earnings were record-breaking. So why are some analysts beginning to worry about Apple's stock?
Why Apple May No Longer Be a Hot Stock
The re-weighting of the Nasdaq-100, which is expected to be announced today, could harm Apple's share price. But that may be the least of the tech giant's problems right now.
Steve Jobs Ordered to Testify in iTunes Antitrust Case
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been ordered by a federal judge to answer questions in an iTunes antitrust lawsuit, according to Reuters. Jobs will respond to allegations that Apple designed its software in a way that prevented competitor RealNetworks' music files from playing on iPods.
Apple After Steve Jobs? Disney May Hold a Clue
To get a better idea how Apple might fare without Steve Jobs's leadership, it's helpful to look at another hugely successful American company that decades ago lost its iconic CEO -- Walt Disney Co. After Walt passed away in 1966, his company didn't miss a step -- at least not for several years.
Steve Jobs Unveils Apple's Faster, Better iPad 2
Steve Jobs, who has been on medical leave, made a surprise appearance at Apple's launch event to unveil the iPad 2, its next-generation tablet. It will go on sale in the U.S. on March 11. The company's stock edged up on the news.
Without Steve Jobs, What Kind of Apple Would Carry On?
The company has already proved that it can thrive while the CEO is away. But what's still not clear is whether Apple can remain far more than a tech company once he truly retires. Whose vision can possibly keep Apple the cultural phenomenon that Jobs has made it?
What Facebook's Goldman Deal Says About Tech IPOs
Facebook and many other tech startups have realized that the hassles and headaches of an IPO in the U.S. aren't always worthwhile. Thanks to willing venture capitalists and private investors, it's easier than ever for tech companies to avoid the lure of going public.
Samsung Aims for iPod with New Android-Based Music Player
Samsung plans to unveil a new music player based on Google's Android platform, SamsungHub.com reported Monday. The Galaxy Player will resemble the company's Galaxy S cell phone and likely will deepen competition between Samsung and Apple.
What to Know If You're Buying Gadgets for Gifts
Before you grab a consumer electronics product, here are a few things to consider. Given how quickly devices become obsolete, a key point to be mindful of is whether the gadget will provide long enough useful life for its recipient.
Young People's Favorite Brands: M&Ms, Google, Reese's
In the eyes of 8- to 24-year-old consumers, M&Ms are cooler than Google. That's according to a new poll by Harris Interactive, which found that sugary snacks made up four of that age group's top 10 favorite brands.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison Testifies Against SAP
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison testified that rival SAP owes his company $4 billion for stealing intellectual property. SAP has admitted that its now-defunct subsidiary, TomorrowNow, stole customer-support documents from Oracle -- but contends that it only owes about $40 million.