Facebook Inc is bullish on Asian market potential. Recently, Facebook's Free Basics service has been banned by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). Despite this jolt, Facebook is still optimistic about adding number of users as the region is recording much faster growth rate than other parts of the world.
Software & IT services
Spotify Agrees to Pay $21 Million for Music Royalties
The streaming service company on Wednesday reached the deal over music royalties with the National Music Publisher's Association (NMPA). Spotify will pay $21 million worth of royalty to publishers and songwriters.
Apple Expands Cloud Service With Google While Preparing Its Own Infrastructure
Alphabet's Google has landed Apple as a customer for its cloud computing platform. Apple has started to store part of its cloud service in Google cloud platform, while also building its infrastructure.
Apple to Enhance Encryption Security for iCloud, Making Key for Data Inaccessible Even for Itself
Sources believe that Apple is trying to enhance its security for iCloud amid the legal dispute with the FBI. However, the tech giant will have its challenges to ensure security while retaining users convenience. Reports also said that the company has moved some of its iCloud services to Google servers.
MasterCard Presents Arnold Palmer Invitational Golf Tournament, Showcases Payment Through Virtual and Augmented Reality
It will be a different experience for consumers and golf fans alike as they take part in the Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA Tour event. MasterCard has teamed up with Wearality that develops VR glasses and other wearables and with Callaway Golf Company to enable people to engross themselves in the virtual and augmented reality.
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Telstra commits to be a complete technology company and hires the services of former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop and former Optus executive Kevin Russell. With the combined expertise of the two people, Telstra is in for a successful global growth.
Many speculates why Microsoft stops accepting Bitcoin as a mode of payment for purchasing apps in its Windows Store. Users became alarmed since they can no longer add Bitcoins to their account and existing balance can no longer be refunded. A Microsoft spokesperson apologized for the incorrect information and said that it will be taken care of.
Honest Dollar Acquired By Goldman Sachs On Monday, Goldman Sachs' Investment Management Division announced that it will take over Honest Dollar, a web and mobile-based retirement savings platform based in Austin, Texas where the amount was not disclosed.
UAE venture capital firm BECO Capital expects that the tech sector will spur amid the slowdown in the economy due to low oil prices. Especially in the region, the firm projects that tech startups will face a significant growth as the government seek to achieve diversification to non-oil sectors.
No more Bitcoin payments for Microsoft Windows 10 devices. Existing balance can still be used to purchase on Windows Store but cannot be refunded or added. Xbox users can still add Bitcoins to their accounts.
Intel Corp, one of the major manufacturer of computer components in the world, is planning to sell a part of its venture capital (VC) unit Intel Capital. The value of the part of assets to be offered for sale is estimated to be $1billion worth. UBS Group AG has been appointed to find out potential buyers for the sale of a part in venture capital unit.
Up to now, there are not many parenting tech companies and products available while the market is growing. Winnie and Grow Parenting, built by Fisher-Price and Shakira are among the promising apps in that sector.
Optimizely, a San Francisco-based cloud-based startup, is slashing its workforce by 10 percent across all the departments. Based on recent round of finance, Otpimizely was valued at $585 million. Since its inception in 2009, Optimizely has raised over $146 million investments including $58 million round in 2015.
Tegna Inc., NBC Sports Ventures, Sky and Emil Capital raised $20 million for Whistle Sports. The amount added a total $73 million equity funding for the digital sports entertainment startup.
