Roundup: Twitter’s ready for its close-up, Apple says yes to the Kama Sutra, and more
Here’s the latest action:
Twitter on the tube – More producers are turning to the micro-blogging service for television-based projects, and the site is only too happy to go Hollywood.
Auctions on the way down for eBay — The site is frantically trying to reinvent as its core business starts to decline in earnest. The Wall Street Journal has the details.
The Apple of North Carolina’s eye? — The state may be changing its tax policies to lure technology companies, especially Apple, which could bring up to $1 billion to N.C.’s ailing economy.
Android OPhone prepped for China — HTC has plans to release a new device called the Lancaster running Open Mobile System, the name for China Mobile’s version of Android. CNet has a nifty pic.
Tech strikes gold in stimulus package – The economic stimulus bill will rain billions on smart grid and electronic health record companies, with the computing industry reaping profits from both.
Apple changes its mind on e-reader, despite sexy content — The App Store had previously rejected e-reader Eucalyptus because it provided access to the Kama Sutra, according to a selectively-vanilla Apple. But the company just reveresed its decision, impressed with the app’s other qualities.
Oracle buys hemorrhaging Virtual Iron — The New York Times guesses that Oracle bought the virtualization software maker for its talent, as it has only been spending money to see minimal revenue growth.
Mac clone company Psystar goes bankrupt — The unauthorized seller of PCs running Mac OS X has filed for chapter 11, temporarily stalling Apple’s suit against the company.
First Solar loses its shine — The leading solar plant and equipment provider saw a 6.9 percent drop in its share price following a decrease in silicon prices this week that quieted demand for its alternative products.
Smart grid to grow 21 percent in five years — Cisco Systems publicly forecasted that smart grid technology will amount to a $20 billion business in the next five years. Analysts agree that it will be worth at least $17 billion, up from the current $6 billion, Reuters reports.
Next Story: Argentine president gambles on tech taxes, faces tough crowd
Previous Story: Acrobat.com challenges PowerPoint with collaborative presentations
About the Author, Camille Ricketts
Camille is the lead writer for GreenBeat. She came to VentureBeat from Google where she worked on its traditional platforms team, particularly in TV. Before that, she was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in New York and London. Follow her on Twitter at @camillericketts, and follow VentureBeat on Twitter at @venturebeat.
With GreenBeat 2009, VentureBeat's all-star conference on all things Smart Grid, coming up in November, Camille will be expanding coverage of this exciting space. Stay up to date by following @greenbeat2009 on Twitter or by becoming a fan of the event on Facebook here.