Google earnings up as mobile ads gain traction (BostonGlobe)
Google’s latest quarterly results provided further proof that the Internet search leader is figuring out how to make more money as Web surfers migrate from personal computers to mobile devices. The first-quarter numbers released Thursday show that a recent decline in Google’s average ad prices is easing. The trend indicates that marketers are starting to pay more for the ads that Google distributes to smartphones and tablet computers. Mobile ads so far have fetched less money than those viewed on the larger screens of laptop and desktop computers. But a growing number of people are clicking on mobile ads as they increasingly connect to Internet services on smartphones and tablets, driving down the average price paid for a marketing link. Google’s average price, or the ‘‘cost per click’’ to advertisers, has fallen from the previous year in six consecutive quarters, including the opening three months of the year.
Microsoft software licenses growth cushions pain of PC sales decline (EconomicTimes)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s strategy of selling more long-term software licenses to big business customers is helping to cushion the blow from plummeting PC demand and a faltering start for its Windows 8 system. Personal computer sales fell 14 per cent in the first three months of the year, just as Microsoft tries to ramp up sales of the latest iteration of Windows. But the company’s ability to keep hold of big customers rescued its third-quarter results, which came in better than expected on Thursday.
Microsoft CFO exits, profit rises (MoneyControl)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) said on Thursday chief financial officer Peter Klein was leaving the company, as it struggles with sharply declining personal computer sales and a lukewarm reception for its new Windows 8 operating system. The world’s largest software company reported a profit of $6 billion, or 72 cents per share, in the fiscal third quarter, up fromUSD $5.1 billion, or 60 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. Profit was boosted by some deferred revenue from its Windows, Office and video game operations, but cut severely by a big fine by European antitrust regulators for breaking promises relating to expanding the choice of Internet browsers on Windows.
Microsoft revenues up 18%; launch of ‘mini’ Surface tablets confirmed (FirstPost)
Microsoft is working with manufacturers to produce a line of small touch-screen devices powered by Windows, apparently intended to compete with tablets like the iPad Mini and Amazon Kindle Fire. Peter Klein, Microsoft’s chief financial officer, told investors and analysts on a conference call Thursday that the new devices will be available in coming months at competitive prices. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is struggling to extend its software into smartphones and tablets as consumers are turning away from PCs, the foundation of its empire. Over the winter, it launched two larger tablets under the Surface brand. And in October, the company took a large stake in Barnes & Noble’s digital unit, which sells a line of entertainment-oriented tablets under the Nook brand.
Foxconn to pay license fee to Microsoft on Android, Chrome devices (FirstPost)
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd also known as Foxconn, signed a global patent licensing agreement on Wednesday which will benefit Microsoft greatly. According to Ars Technica, Starting now Microsoft will be getting paid a toll from Foxconn when it produces Android or Chrome devices. This is significant as the company produces 40 percent of the world’s consumer devices. Foxconn is an Original Device Manufacturer, ODM, and according to the report on Ars post the deal, many Android devices will now be handled by two levels of companies, both of which have deals to license Microsoft patents.
