Google's Gmail down for users around the world

Google is investigating an outage on Friday that took down Gmail, the internet email service used by hundreds of millions of people across the globe.

Usmanov tightens hold on Russian social net VKontakte

Pavel Durov, founder of Russia's biggest social network, said he sold his stake in VKontakte (www.vk.com) to an ally of tycoon Alisher Usmanov, the site's second-largest shareholder.

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.

Goldman considers new ‘chat’ limits on employees

Goldman Sachs is contemplating a new policy to prohibit employees from using internal peer-to-peer chat services provided by Bloomberg, Yahoo and other third-party companies, a person said.

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

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.

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”.

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.