Amazon's social games push a calculated risk
Web giant setting up of Amazon Game Studios not only allows it to easily tap growing social games market, but also gain further insight into users' online behavior.
Web giant setting up of Amazon Game Studios not only allows it to easily tap growing social games market, but also gain further insight into users' online behavior.
[UPDATE] Singapore-based company has liquidated its business just over a year after it raised more than US$8 million in funds from Black Ocean Group and other investors. Founder Johan Stael von Holstein asserts company did not fail due to "a misconception of market trends" though.
Facebook is said to be considering filing a US$10 billion initial public offering (IPO) by the end of the year, which would raise the most funds by any tech-based IPO and value the company at more than US$100 billion.
Game developers who have made a name on the Facebook platform but are now considering leaving the social-networking site may end up losing more than if they stayed.
Gartner study finds advertising likely to still be largest contributor although social games revenue fast catching up, but market still in "early stages" in terms of generating revenue.
Dick Costolo says the company is finding it a challenge to convince newcomers the microblogging service can be an "indispensable" tool, but holds out hopes of getting a billion users on board eventually.
Companies should not focus simply on accuracy of monitoring metrics, but figure out how to analyze data, use the insights, and engage with customers where possible.
Chinese Web giant says rumors of Alibaba buying a 15 percent to 20 percent stake in Sina Weibo for US$2 billion to US$3 billion is "false".
Social networking giant is testing the viability of charging users a fee for allowing them to send e-mail messages to other users that are not in their online social circle.