IN THE PAPERS
In The Papers 23 April
23-04-2010
by Deirdre McArdle
Windows 7 drives Microsoft profits | Amazon boosted by consumer spending
The Irish Times reports that the Government is to invest EUR5 million into a new kind of communications network that could revolutionise internet traffic. "Exemplar Test Bed" was launched on Thursday by the Communications Minister Eamon Ryan and Intune Networks, which developed the technology, as noted by ENN.
The paper also writes that tech blog Gizmodo this week published details of what it claims will be the next iPhone which Apple is expected to release this summer. Based on the report, the next iPhone will have an enhanced camera with flash, a secondary camera on the front for video chat, and uses the new smaller micro-sim cards which are also used on the iPad. The battery is 16 percent larger to enable longer use, an issue with the current iPhone.
The same paper reports that Irish security software firm MXSweep has signed two distribution agreements aimed at extending the company’s reach into overseas markets. The first is with SaaSplaza, a provider of software as a service based in Amsterdam, and the second is a strategic partnership with Jamcracker, which will offer MXSweep e-mail security services through its online software network. Values for the deals were not disclosed.
The paper also says that AirSpeed Telecom has launched a video service which makes it easier and cheaper for television presenters to talk live with out-of-studio experts. Livelinx can stream video from a remote site to a studio and uses Internet Protocol (IP) to transfer the information. Livelinx is currently used in the offices of NCB, Davy and Merrion Stockbrokers and the feeds have already been utilised by RTÉ in some of its financial coverage.
The Irish Independent reports that over the next 20 years at least 250,000 Europeans will be studied to see if using mobile phones increases the risk of brain tumours and other disorders. The study will be conducted by Cohort Study on Mobile Communications (COSMOS). The scientists will be analysing trends for brain, head and neck cancers, but also multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Motor Neurone Disease, as well as strokes and heart conditions.
The Irish Examiner reports that Michael Dillane, a Tralee CBS transition-year student, has been named Young Entrepreneur 2010, for his business plan for a school gifts website. Schoolgiftsforgrads.com offers Leaving Certificate students a wide range of gifts in varying price, quality and style. The awards were the culmination of the six-month Young Entrepreneur Programme, now in its third year.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft reported total profit for the first quarter of USD4.01 billion, or USD0.45 a share, up 35 percent from USD2.98 billion, or USD0.33 a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 5 percent to USD14.5 billion. The rise in profit is largely due to sales of the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system, as corporate technology buyers began to join consumers in demanding the OS for personal computers.
The paper also reports that Amazon's first-quarter profit rose 68 percent to USD299 million, or USD0.66 a share, from USD177 million, or USD0.41, a year ago. Revenue rose 46 percent to USD7.13 billion from USD4.89 billion. The e-tailer cited increased consumer spending, and said it saw the largest sales boost in its catch-all category of electronics and general merchandise, which grew 72 percent. Amazon did not give detailed sales figures for its Kindle e-reader.
The Financial Times reports that Fujitsu's ousted former president Kuniaki Nozoe has increased the pressure on his former employer by publicly sending it a series of questions and playing a recording of the meeting that led to his departure last September. He alleges Fujitsu used unfounded accusations of links to organised crime to force him to resign. His questions include a demand to know why Fujitsu has not set up an independent committee to investigate his case. Fujitsu said it has received Nozoe's questions but cannot comment because of the likelihood that the matter will go to court.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 