Google+ traffic indicators point up
The latest analysis of Google+ traffic from Experian Hitwise provides some evidence as to why claims that the new social network is dead in the water are premature. Among the findings: Google+ users are coming back more often and staying longer. Read more
Google launches iTunes rival
Google has unveiled a new online music store after reaching deals with three of the Big Four record companies. At an event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, it announced EMI, Universal and Sony were part of the new Google music service, with no agreement having been reached with Warner Music.
The existing “Music beta by Google” service had allowed users to upload their music to Google’s cloud and access it through a browser or an Android app. The new service replaces it and adds a store and the ability to share music bought – for one play – with friends. But it is only open to US residents. Our live coverage of Google’s unveiling of its upgraded service is after the jump. Read more
Tech news from around the web:
Sony Music, the recently acquired EMI, and Universal Music are all expected to offer MP3 downloads on Google’s music service, which the online search group is scheduled to unveil on Wednesday, Billboard reports. A person with knowledge of the negotiations leading up to the launch of Google Music told Billboard that Warner Music Group is still in talks to join the service. Read more
HP Folio is heavyweight Ultrabook
Hewlett-Packard has made a weighty entry into the Ultrabook category with its Folio 13 laptop.
At 3.3lbs, it seems positively obese next to rival machines from Acer, Asus, Lenovo and Toshiba, which like the 13.3in MacBook Air they try to emulate, all come in at under 3lbs. But there is a reason for its heavyweight proportions. Read more
| About this blog | Blog guide |
Richard Waters has headed the FT's San Francisco bureau since 2002 and covers Google and Microsoft, among other things. A former New York bureau chief for the FT, he is intrigued by Silicon Valley's unique financial and business culture, and is looking forward to covering his second Tech Bust.
Chris Nuttall has been online and messing around with computers for more than 20 years and since 2004 has reported from the FT's San Francisco bureau on semiconductors, video games, consumer electronics and all things interwebby.
Maija Palmer has been writing about technology for the FT since 1999 and is fascinated by cybercrime, privacy and all the other issues of the information society. Based in London, she covers European tech companies and hopes that they won't all get acquired by American rivals.
Robin Kwong is the FT's technology, media and telecoms page editor in London. Formerly he was the Taipei correspondent and wrote about the companies that manufacture the vast majority of the world's computers and gadgets. He is interested in the intricacies of the technology supply chain and how China is increasingly changing the tech landscape.
Tim Bradshaw is the FT's digital media correspondent, and has just moved from London to join our team in San Francisco. He has covered start-ups such as Twitter and Spotify, as well as the online ambitions of more established media companies, such as the BBC iPlayer. He also covers the advertising, marketing and video-game industries. Tim has been writing about technology, business and finance since 2003.
