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Many Popular Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone Apps Missing From Apple Watch

By
Andy Parker
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Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Apple Watch has gained momentum off of the popular iPhone App Store, but there are many popular apps that are still not available for Apple Watch users.

According to app analytics firm App Annie, only 5 top iPhone apps in the health and fitness category were available on the Apple Watch even as the device is touted as a health and fitness tracking tool. The same number of apps were available on the Apple Watch for the travel and navigation category.

In shopping, social networking and news, 6 of the top ten apps were available for Apple Watch users, while 4 of the top ten apps were available in the entertainment and music category. In the sports category, only 2 of the most popular apps were available with no top gaming apps available at all. The statistics indicate many new opportunities for app developers to expand on their Apple Watch portfolios.

Apple Watch OS 2.2 software

Meanwhile, Apple has released Apple Watch OS 2.2 software for developers which will include some new features like maps and an option to pair multiple smartwatches with the iPhone.

The Maps app that can be found in the Glance section will help find directions and highlight locations of interest. The Nearby feature will show places for shopping, travel, food, drinks and health. Even detailed summaries of workouts can be created in the updated watch. The new updates will be available on health apps developed by Apple and third-party developers. Also, users will be able to pair multiple smartwatches with one iPhone.

The company has not announced the updates for the public yet but the updated Apple Watch will be powered by the iOS 9.3 software.

Remote Control App to Operate Appliances

Meanwhile, Peel has created a remote control app for the Apple Watch that will help users operate more than 400,000 electronics and home appliances from their watch. While most of the devices can be controlled using Wi-Fi, Pronto hardware will be required for others. The Pronto 360-degree IR blaster feature is already used for the iPhone and allows operation of television and other electronics using Bluetooth.

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Even if Stocks Headed Higher, Investors Warned to Sell Rallies

By
Carol Harper
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bluebird

The worst January for US stocks in Wall Street history has analysts arguing about what the cause may be. From China to oil to general sluggishness, there seems to be no agreement on the horizon.

CNBC for its part quoted Deutsche Bank’s Chief International Economist, Torsten Slok, as saying that if China was to be blamed for the woes in the United States equity market, then the same yard stick was applicable to the Eurozone and Japan. He pointed out that both the regions have a strong trade relationships just like the US. Slok further said that the manufacturing sectors in Japan and Europe were performing much better than their peers in the United States. According to him, it is dollar strength that is dragging the US economy down.

He also pointed out that even as the dollar was trending higher in the last couple of years, the Euro has moved sideways since March of last year. The dollar might only continue to gain strength against emerging market currencies.

Risks Loom Large

Following the reports of a slowdown in China, investment managers are advising their clients to pare back risk in their investments. Also, two European investment bankes, Societe Generale SA (OTCMKTS:SCGLY) and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (NYSE:RBS) expect the equity market in America to face further downside. Both are warning that the oil price may trade below $20 with a possible 75% rout in stocks. Aside from these two, J.P. Morgan’s investment manager has reportedly advised clients to sell on rallies rather than buy on dips.

This could mean that even if there is going to be a rally in the market, the associated gains could be capped by consistent selling on any significant rally.

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How Falling Oil Prices Have Affected Bank of America (NYSE:BAC)

By
Carol Harper
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Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC)

There are two factors that are driving down Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) this year. These are the slowing rate of worldwide economic growth and falling oil prices to record 12-year lows. The company’s stock witnessed a 20% drop and is the worst hit of the top three banks in the United States. The significant drop in oil prices forced the bank to make increased provisions for loan losses in the energy sector.

Further Slowdown Seen

The slump in Bank of America and other banking stocks was due to increased fears of a global economic slowdown according to Vining Sparks analyst, Marty Mosby. Already, China as well as other emerging markets have rattled investor sentiments. Mosby indicated that the current worry was that a full-blown recession is around the corner, and that will cause more losses to banks.

So far in 2016 banking shares have been dismal performers compared to benchmark indices. For instance, the S&P500 fell only 7% while the KBW Bank Index slipped close to 15%. The index tracks the performance of the 24 biggest lenders in the US. Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C), which is the country’s fourth largest bank, witnessed a huge drop of 21% among the top four banks.

Earnings beat for 2015

Bank of America meanwhile reported earnings of $15.9 billion for the year 2015, beating estimates.

There is also uncertainty on the further hike in interest rates in the wake of a possible slowdown in global economic growth. This is possibly why investors did not cheer Bank of America’s record earnings. In December, the Federal Reserve hiked key interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time nearly in a decade. BofA is regarded as one of the best positioned to gain from higher rates.

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Why Airline Consumers Did Not Profit from Falling Oil Prices

By
Carol Harper
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Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)

Who is the bigger gainer from falling fuel prices – passengers or airline companies? National carriers have reported a big jump in profits for the year 2015, and the biggest reason for it was the drop in oil prices. However, gains appear not to have passed on to consumers. In order words, the sinking oil price has not made airlines make big cuts in airfares.

Appeasement Mode

For example, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) CEO, Richard Anderson said that results for the last year were a record on all fronts. Delta’s profit jumped to $4.5 billion in 2015 from $659 million in the preceding year. Instead of passing on the benefit of weak oil prices, airline firms appear to be in appeasement mode as some carriers have brought back free snacks to economy fliers. Some carriers have resorted to buying newer planes as well as renovating terminals.

Oil prices dropped over 30% last year whereas demand for air travel boosted only 9%. However, there was no change in domestic airfares in the last year. According to online ticket price trackers, the cheapest domestic airfare witnessed a 1.5% increase last year. The Transportation Department is yet to calculate the airfares for the full year. However, the average fare for the first half was $388, which was 1% lower than the prior year period.

Demand Dictates Pricing

Airlines Weekly Managing Partner, Seth Kaplan, said that as long as the demand for air travel was strong, airline firms were not going to slash prices. He said that these firms were not doing any charity and that airlines were not ready to provide consumers the gains of falling oil prices just for the sake of doing it.

There is a reason for domestic airliners not passing the cost benefits of low oil prices. The past decade witnessed a series of mergers in the domestic airline sector. According to a Portland University finance professor, Richard Gritta, 70% of domestic traffic was controlled by four airline companies, Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL), United Continental Holdings Inc (NYSE:UAL), and Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL). The same four firms were controlling 50% of air traffic a decade ago.

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Obama Sounds off on Innovation and Information Technology

By
Carol Harper
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Barack Obama

United States President Barack Obama is now seeking the support of Congress for innovation and research in information technology apart from clean energy initiatives. During his State of the Union speech, he focused more attention on innovation beyond enhancing the education system. He also pledged that his administration would establish complete web portals where taxpayers can see the way their money is spent in an effort at increasing transparency.

Calls For Hiring Teachers

The President also urged schools to hire 100,000 fresh engineering, technology, science, and math teachers in the coming years. This appears to be in line with the objectives of big technology companies like International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC). Obama said that the nation needs to outbid the rest of the world in innovation in the field of education.

Obama pushed for immigration reform arguing in favor of education for the children of illegal immigrants as well as foreign students.

Focus On Broadband Network Investment

Though Obama talked about the healthcare system and the fiscal deficit, he focused on continuing investments in broadband networks. In saying this, he was referring to the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to free the spectrum for mobile broadband in the US though he did not provide details on broadband. He lamented that South Korea has overtaken America in providing greater internet access to homes thoughout the nation with better infrastructure.

The President predicted that broadband providers would deploy their next-generation mobile broadband to 98% of US citizens within five years. He expects farmers in rural areas will benefit by gaining access to more markets and selling their crops throughout the world whereas firefighters would have the capability to download the layouts of burning buildings layouts. His objective is to connect every part of the United States to the digital age.

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Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Will Be Hosting The “Love Your Language” Forum In India

By
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Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is now hosting a “Love Your Language” forum to encourage Indian language representation on the internet at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) is taking place over a five day period, ending tomorrow.

Google stated that it aims to provide better representation for some Indian languages, Currently, Google can translate 9 out of the 22 official Indian languages and aims to popularize all those languages by making them more internet friendly. The event is open to participants and spectators alike.

The forum looks to aid in gaining more input from the community to enable Google to enhance its translation of Indian languages, and thus make content on the internet more accessible to people in the country. Sapna Chadha, marketing manager of Google India, said that putting Google tools up for Indian users will help in the building of a web that will work for millions globally. She added that the festival is very popular for bringing together all those who are passionate about the culture and language.

Google has set up a demonstration zone at the Google Mughal Tent at the JLF with the aim of helping people learn more about Google Translate. Highlights of Indian culture and heritage will also be available for festival-visitors on the Google Cultural Institute. A virtual display of Indian monuments, art works as well as narratives will be presented at a dedicated zone at the festival. Arguably the biggest literature festival in India started onThursday and will end on the 25th.

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Winter Storms In U.S. Fuel Oil Prices

By
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Oil had a major breather on Friday as Brent Oil Futures for March delivery reported a surge, going north of the $30 level. The commodity registered its largest rally in the last three months, as cold waves in the United States and Europe set expectations of higher oil demand ahead. Overall optimism across global markets also gave traders reason to convert their short positions, adding to the rally.

Oil Over $30

With this move, crude futures marked their first weekly gain so far this year. However, analysts maintain that the gain is not supported by a fundamental change in the supply and demand scenario.

Crude Brent was up to $30.87 a barrel, recovering from its 2003 low level of $27.10. U.S. crude futures for March delivery were also up by 5.15% to $31.05 a barrel. The move points to the possibility that the market has brushed off concerns raised by the International Energy Agency (IEA) earlier this week about the oil oversupply remaining until the end of 2016. Some traders are betting on a bottom as derivative contracts bought over the last week give speculators an option to buy oil at $40 per barrel by the end of 2016.

Markets cheer the rebound

The oil price rebound has lifted market sentiment as both Asian and European markets closed in the green last week. U.S. markets too were relieved after the east coast, and some of parts of Europe came under the grip of snowstorms and freezing weather conditions, which fueled hopes of liftoff in oil demand.

The EIA issued an update on the weekly petroleum stockpile report a day earlier, where it mentioned that crude oil reserves surged 3.979 million barrels to 486.537 million barrels during the week ended on January 15. The report came a day after the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) report, which said that crude reserves increased by 4.6 million barrels for the week ended last Friday.

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Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Quietly Added The “Loop” Option To YouTube

By
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Alphabet Inc’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) YouTube has quietly added a feature whereby one can loop videos without having to use external software. YouTube has never had the auto-repeat option for a video for those who want to watch a video more than once. That means that one has had to use third-party software for the video to be looped automatically.

With the new feature that YouTube has introduced, all users have to do now is right-click inside the video where a menu appears where the loop option is available. Once users opt for the loop option the video can keep playing. Web developer Henry Lim was the first to spot the feature.

This is good news for YouTube users since this feature has been sought after for a long time. A user can loop not only a single track but a whole album just the same way he would do it on any other music streaming platform.

Music has remained a major draw on YouTube, especially with Adele’s Hello topping 1 billion views last week. Music videos dominate the viewership numbers. Last year, the top music videos reaped in more than 66 million subscribers. The loop feature may even affect preferences in choosing which type of music to listen to.

The loop option, however, is not yet available on the mobile version of YouTube. It has been made available only on desktop versions. It has not been disclosed when the loop function will be available on mobile platforms.

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Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Hints At New Lumia Phone Accidentally

By
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Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) may have dropped hints of its new smartphone range accidentally, according to company video posted online. Listed among the Lumia 950/XL and Acer Jade Primo, the video spotted the Lumia Phone X name.

The released video describes the Continuum feature that is available in Windows 10 to help the smartphone in performing like a PC while setting up a dock connection. Currently, the Lumia 950 and Jade Primo are compatible with the feature and the Lumia Phone X is expected to be a high-end upcoming smartphone.

End of the Lumia Series?

As per reports, the company has begun wrapping up the Lumia series in 2016 and the Surface Phone is expected to replace the Lumia series. The company is likely to be launching the last of the Lumia series at the Mobile World Congress to be held in Barcelona in February, but if the rumors of the Lumia Phone X are confirmed, the end of the Lumia series may not be as close as originally thought.

According to insiders, the rumored Surface Phone could be in the market around mid 2016. Similar to the Surface tablet, the smartphone is estimated to follow in the same category.

Panos Panay, Vice President of Surface is currently working on creating a metallic case for the Windows 10 smartphone and reports claim that Intel is part of the project, even as the company has yet to reveal the details.

Transformation in Windows Phone Industry

The Surface series rumors surfaced after a company official stated that the Windows phone was in need of something transformative similar to the change initiated by Surface laptops. Technologists believe that the replacement of the Lumia line of phones could usher in a new era for Windows phones, which are still struggling to gain ground in the Android and iOS market.

At a global share of 1.7% in the smartphone market, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is not concerned about the number of people using the software and is looking at creating a smartphone to cater to growing business needs.

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Global Markets Cheer ECB Hints And Oil Rebound

By
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The global markets turned positive at the close of last week. A broader market rally in both the Asian and European markets. The hint of extended monetary easing measures by the European Central Bank along with a strong rebound in crude oil lifted market sentiments.

Asian markets closed positive

Among the major Asian indices, Japan’s Nikkei 225 soared the most by 5.88% to 16,958.53. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallied up by 2.90% to 19,080.51. The Shanghai SE Composite Index, Australia ASX All Ordinaries and Taiwan TSEC 50 Index also closed 1% higher.

In the European Markets, France’s CAC 40 was seen trading 3.10% higher at 4,336.84 while Euronext 100 too see an upside change of 3%. Germany’s DAX, England’s FTSE 100 and Switzerland’s Swiss Market Index were all in the green, reflecting a 2% rise from the previous day.

In the absence of any specific data from China, the rally across world markets was driven by renewed hopes that the ECB will announce more monetary easing measures. The bank’s President Mario Draghi left the policy easing prospect open for March when it will meet following the release of major economic data.

Crude rebound

Meanwhile, U.S. markets also surged after a key data release late last week indicated that oil reserves did not grow as expected. The data induced a recovery in crude prices, which catapulted nearly 10% from 12-year lows.  Crude prices remain under severe pressure following the termination of sanctions on Iran last weekend. World markets were burdened by fears that the problem of an oil oversupply will magnify if Iran pumps more oil that expected.

U.S. markets capitalized on the crude rebound, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the day 1.33% higher at 16,983. S&P 500 was up over 2% passed the 1900 mark. Canada’s TSX 60 ended the day up as well passed the 700 level to 706.83.

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