HP profit jumps on cost-cutting, services strength
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hewlett-Packard Co.'s profit jumped 14 percent in the latest quarter, proof that cost-cutting and a push into rival IBM Corp.'s stronghold of technology services is helping the company absorb a falloff in sales in most of its major divisions. As a yardstick for the health of overall technology spending, HP's latest numbers reinforce trends other companies have reported: Consumers and China are showing stronger demand, while businesses remain hesitant. Other tech heavyweights such as Google Inc., IBM, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. have reported better conditions in some of their businesses.
Friends go online at Foursquare to meet offline
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Laura Fitton's ascent has been staggering: In less than a year, she's become mayor of nine different places in several different states, all without giving any speeches or kissing any babies. Instead, Fitton has gone out. A lot. And that's allowed her to build an empire in the world of a rapidly growing Internet startup called Foursquare, which rewards users with points and virtual "mayorships" for checking in on their cell phones when they're out and about.
Google scoops up display ad specialist Teracent
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) — Google Inc. has snapped up another startup in its quest to sell more visual advertising on the Web. The acquisition of Teracent Corp., a 3-year-old startup, provides Google with more tools for customizing the online billboards known as display advertising.
Canada woman to fight insurance co. over Facebook
MONTREAL (AP) — A Canadian woman on sick leave for depression said Monday she would fight an insurance company's decision to cut her benefits after her agent found photos on Facebook of her vacationing, at a bar and at a party. Nathalie Blanchard said Monday she was diagnosed with major depression and was receiving monthly sick-leave benefits until payments dried up this fall.
Retailers look to stretch out Cyber Monday push
NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers are thinking beyond Cyber Monday — a holiday marketing promotion many push for the Monday after Thanksgiving — and trying to spin their discounts into into Cyber Weekends or even Cyber Weeks. Target, Walmart, Toys R Us and others will be running online sales throughout the holiday weekend, with additional sales on Nov. 30, or Cyber Monday. J.C. Penney will offer online sales for items such as clothes and electronics on Monday and Tuesday, and Walmart.com will offer deals starting Monday through Dec. 4.
South Koreans to get Apple's iPhone this week
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Apple Inc's iPhone is coming to South Korea this week, a local carrier announced Sunday, bringing the iconic communications device to one of the world's most sophisticated mobile phone markets. KT Corp. began accepting orders for the iPhone both online and in stores Sunday and service will start Nov. 28 as part of an official launch, said Alice Park, a spokeswoman for the country's second-largest mobile carrier.
Newspaper circulation may be worse than it looks
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — While U.S. newspapers are losing subscribers at a staggering rate, a few dailies stand out because their circulation is rising. But they aren't necessarily selling more copies. Here's why: Since April 1, new auditing rules have made it easier for newspapers to count a reader as a paying customer.
B&N Nook sells out, too late for holiday orders
NEW YORK (AP) — Consumers who haven't yet ordered Barnes & Noble's electronic book reader, the Nook, won't see one before Christmas. The earliest that anyone who orders the $259 device on Friday — or later — will receive it is Jan. 4, 2010, the nation's largest bookseller said Friday.
Fox CEO wants US to join France on Internet piracy
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — The chief executive of Fox Filmed Entertainment said Monday the U.S. should join France in cutting off the Internet connection of users who repeatedly download copyright-protected films. CEO Jim Gianopulos said Internet piracy is the single biggest threat to the film industry worldwide, and independent films are the hardest hit.
Key scientist says politics behind stolen e-mails
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A leading climate change scientist said hackers breaking into a university's computer server and then posting documents online show the nasty politics of global warming. Kevin Trenberth, head of the climate analysis section of the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, said the hackers' intentions may have been to influence discussions in an upcoming global climate change summit in Denmark.
