
Author: Chris Ciaccia
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iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor seemingly confirmed
Apple is getting closer to launching the next version of the iPhone later this year. If the Cupertino, Calif.-based company wants to keep up with Samsung, Google and others, it needs to innovate. And fast. That’s where the tip of your finger comes in to play.
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Apple’s cash hoard: Focus turns to innovation
Apple’s cash hoard is legendary. It has more than $141 billion in cash and marketable securities, the largest of any technology company in the world. While a good chunk of that cash will benefit shareholders thanks to dividends and buybacks, Apple’s board may want to seriously think about acquiring some companies, both public and non-public, in order to keep the innovation engine humming.
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Facebook: Always about mobile
Facebook is now firmly entrenched as a mobile company, with 30% of total advertising revenue coming from mobile. Mobile is the key front for Facebook now and for the foreseeable future, as users continue to spend the majority of their time on phones and tablets. Mobile monthly active users (MAU) grew to 751 million in the first quarter, with total daily active users (DAUs) reaching 1.1 billion. UBS analyst Eric Sheridan noted that mobile advertising revenue was above his estimates at $374 million, and he expects to see continued growth as more users, and more ads go online.
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Apple’s quarter: Something for bears and bulls alike
Apple’s second quarter wasn’t nearly as bad as the bears on Wall Street thought it would be. In fact, the company actually beat estimates, even though there were some notably bearish analysts and traders on Wall Street. Despite that, Apple’s results, guidance and future are as confusing as ever, with something for both the bulls and bears alike.
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Facebook Home: A bigger deal than you think
Facebook’s (FB) announcement of Facebook Home, coming soon to Android, was perhaps the most impressive thing Facebook has launched since the “like” button. Available initially on the HTC First on AT&T (T), Facebook is trying to increase engagement, and with this new “version” of Facebook, I can definitely see that happening. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said phones have primarily been built around apps, and with Facebook Home, that’s changing. Smartphones are now built around people, as people want to know what’s going on with those around us.