Tech Tuesday - iPhone 5, Kindle Fire, Microsoft changes - CBS42

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) – The tech world is buzzing with big headlines these days – from the release date for the new iPhone to dropping prices for the Kindle Fire. Tech Tuesday’s David Powell breaks it all down in this week’s segment.

The following is David Powell’s discussion of these topics:

Tech Tuesday: Top Stories
There is lots of news in the world of tech this week, let’s look at the Top Stories in Tech.

* Ballmer to Step Down. The CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, announced on Friday that he will retire within the next 12 months, once a suitable successor is found. Microsoft has struggled in the years since Bill Gates stepped down as they have been beaten and bruised by Apple and Google. They have had some key wins in the past few months as the Xbox One has positive reviews and the Surface continues to gain traction, but the embattled CEO needs to move on for MSFT to move ahead. Two interesting notes, the stock surged 7% on Friday after the announcement, which raised the value of his stock by $ 769 million. So, he made more than $ 700m just by quitting! Also, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for Steve, his stock is worth upwards of $ 10 billion. Although, the value of Microsoft when he took over was $ 600b and is now less than $ 300b. Ouch.
* IPhone potential release date-the internet blew up last week over reports that the next iPhone is set to unveil on Sept ember 10th. Two other big pieces of news is that it is rumored that it will be available in white, black and GOLD! Yes. Gold. Reports say that it won’t be a tacky gold, but more of an understated gold. This is expected to be a nod to the Chinese market where a gold phone would be expected to be in high demand. The other news is that there is a rumored 5C, which would be a lower cost iPhone. The new iPhone is supposed to have a stronger battery, more powerful processor and potentially fingerprint technology.
* Kindle Fire prices dropping-if you’ve ever thought about picking up a Kindle Fire tablet, now may be the time. Their 7 inch tablet is now down to $ 159. Normally, this is a $ 200 device. There are rumors that pricing may drop again later this year when a new model comes out. The interesting thing about the Kindle Fire is that it is, essentially, a nice device to separate you from your money. It makes it very easy to spend a fortune downloading movies , books and ordering stuff from Amazon. With it’s “one click” ordering, it is one of the easiest online shopping experiences out there and the Kindle Fire makes it easier. Some industry analysts say that Amazon is so efficient that they could even give away the Kindle Fire and still make money on all the stuff you would buy on it! Pretty amazing. But, they aren’t giving them away, however, around $ 150 is a great, great price for a very nice tablet.

DP