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1. Facebook acquires the video app MSQRD: So, MSQRD stands for Masquerade; it’s an app that add filters to your videos. Facebook already dominates the world of messaging with Whats App, Messenger, and Instagram. And now with MSQRD they are ready to compete with Snapchat. Read more…

2. Mar 21 – The Next Apple Event is here: “Let us loop you in” – That’s what Apple’s upcoming event’s invitation is titled. Perhaps the company means a 4-inch iPhone SE, a 9.7″ iPad and few new Apple watch models are in line. Read more…

3. Intel planning to sell a part of its venture capital unit. Read more…

4. Square beats revenue expectations; stocks rise: Square reported its Q4 earnings, its first as a public company. While the company reported an adjusted loss of 20 cents per share on revenue of $374m, its transaction revenue increased 47% year-over-year. Read more…

5. Peepl – A people rating app: So after movies, products, music, you can now rate and review other people with an app called “Peepl”. It’s indeed dangerous, and what’s terrifying is that the company plans to monetize on the negative reviews of a person by selling a “Truth License”. Read more…

Would you download this app?

Hi,

So, the big news is we are just 1 mod away from the graduation! But all right, here’s whats been trending in the technology world.

Apple files a motion to dismiss court order to unlock iPhone for FBI: Apple is sure they don’t want to create a GovtOS that will allow the FBI to unlock the iPhone 5C in their possession. The company has been consistently maintaining that such a system would weaken its devices and the security of its customers.  Read more…

https://youtu.be/E_ZjEeEez_0

Snapchat custom On-Demand geofilters: Hosting a party, and want your own geofilter? It’s now possible with a new on-demand geo-filters feature on Snapchat. It ain’t free though; that’s how Snapchat looks to earn more money.  Read more…

“I’ll buy that, or wait I need to think again!”. While Sharp went public with the news that Foxconn would acquire it for $6.2B, Foxconn expressed last minute concerns about Sharp’s future and put the deal on hold (some Finance class relation here? Future cash flows estimations?). Read here…

Now, the tablet is dead. This year there weren’t any tablets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.  Could it mean the next thing to die are the tablets? Or well, there’ll only be one survivor: Apple. Read more…

14 out of 18300 applicants would get to join NASA’s latest astronaut class. I’ve done the math for you; that’s a .076% chance. While the chances seem low, the qualifications to become an astronaut aren’t as preventative. Read more… (May be you can apply next time).

Thanks!

1. Dr. Dre to star in Apple’s first original TV series: Content was never a problem for  Apple (and perhaps not their cup of tea) but looks like with the launch of Apple TV and high bargaining power of the media houses, its time to come up with original content.  Read more…
2. Mattel unveils $300 3D printer for kids. So, if kids could print their own toys, there wouldn’t be any “led paint” or “Made in China” issues with the company. (Humor intended!). Seriously, this new printer, called “Thing Maker 3D” that works in collaboration with an app designed by Auto Desk is worth a look. Read here…
3. Twitter changes their timeline algorithm: Twitter has been having a hard time. Its stock is at an all time low, and investors are questioning the company’s growth model. However, Twitter has been trying to regain user engagement, and launching several new features. The latest one is a change in the timeline algorithm. Read more…
4. Facebook’s offering Free Basics gets banned in India. Facebook had been trying to bring a no frills internet to India with the idea of connecting some of the remotest areas in the country with the world. The company published full page advertisements in all major newspapers and asked millions of people to sign an online petition. But from a net neutrality point of view, Facebook was just trying to gain access of the Indian market. Read more…
5. YouTube buys BandPage. Ever since we’ve been reading about company valuations in the Finance class, I keep an eye on all merger and acquisition news. Band Page,  is a startup that “helps artists show off and sell concert tickets, merchandise, and exclusive fan experiences”. It was acquired by YouTube for just $8m! Read more…

Thanks!

“Do you buy more ketchup when the economy is stronger?” – True, if you are Heinz, who’s selling a staple product, the demand doesn’t really vary with the economic conditions. That’s one of the lessons from last week’s Finance class, but back to tech news. It’s hard to be a tech company when the market is isn’t doing good.

1. LinkedIn stock tumbles 30% after reporting fourth quarter earnings. Job search, networking, influencer articles, and news is all fine, but what’s next? LinkedIn doesn’t seem to be able to convince investors about its future plans. Read more… 
2. Yahoo slashing its 15% workforce. Yahoo certainly wants to cut down on costs, and is exploring all alternative to do so. What will be its next move? A sale of its core business? Read more…
3. Cisco announces its buying Jasper Technologies. Understandably, Cisco is a nice example for several business school classes. They just acquire so many companies. The recent one being an Internet of Things company, Jasper Technologies for $1.4B. Read more… 
4. Fitbit Alta, a new $130 customizable band. If you feel it’s still not the time to buy an Apple or Android watch, Fitbit has launched a new fitness band – ‘Alta’. Read More… 
5. Another acquisition: Microsoft acquires SwiftKey. Swift Key, which first sounded to me as a “password management” software, is actually a company that makes custom keyboards for Android and iPhone! And, it just got bought for $250m in cash by Microsoft. Read more…

That’s all for this week!