Samsung Q4 profit down as one-off bonus take a slice

Samsung Electronics posted its first decline in quarterly profit in two years, hit by one-off special bonus as well as slowing smartphone sales as it braces for a year of tougher competition with rival Apple.

No word on new CEO as Microsoft announces profit rise

Microsoft’s second-quarter profit rose 3 per cent as strong sales of its Office software to businesses offset another weak quarter for its flagship Windows system, which is suffering as consumers opt for tablets over PCs.

Icahn takes another $US500m bite out of Apple

Activist investor Carl Icahn picked up another $US500 million of Apple shares to take his investment in the iPhone maker to $3.6 billion, while ratcheting up his campaign to pry open the company's cash hoard.

Nokia hands Microsoft some bad numbers

Microsoft’s push into smartphones may not have the best start after Nokia, which is selling its handset division to the US giant, said sales fell 29 per cent.

• Nokia sets sights on reviving wireless network sales

Pope calls internet ‘a gift from God’

It may sometimes be a breeding ground for pornographers, bullies and extremists, but Pope Francis has called the web a “gift from God”.

Microsoft to allow offshore data storage

Microsoft will allow overseas customers to have their personal data stored outside the US, a response to concerns about allegations of US government spying, Microsoft general counsel, Brad Smith, said.

Retailers challenged as technology gets personal

As technology rapidly increases the amount of personal data that is readily available, companies are trying to strike a balance between better tailoring their message to consumers and protecting an individuals privacy, said Doug McMillon, the incoming chief executive of Wal-Mart Stores said on Thursday.

Argentina moves to limit online shopping

Even as it seeks to regain access to international capital markets, Argentina imposed new restrictions on online shopping in its latest attempt to curb capital flight and prevent a balance of payments crisis.

Once-bitten Telstra dips toe back in Asia

Telstra chief David Thodey is good at talking the talk when it comes to what he wants to do in Asia, but as anyone who has done business in the region knows, it takes time to walk the walk.