Google Buys Bump, and Microsoft Buys Back Shares | Tech Weekly - 9/20/13 | The Motley Fool

TL;DR

Google buys Bump app, hints at NFC alternative; Apple's fingerprint sensor ties to future payments.

Transcript

aaron kennedy here with avenue and jamal karnette and this is our weekly tech recap one of today's biggest stories this week google bot bump bump is a special app where you take your phones and they bump they bump um what do you think about this purchase bump has been around for about five years why is google buying it now it's kind of an interesti... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 Google's acquisition of Bump indicates a potential shift away from NFC technology.
• ⛩️ Apple's fingerprint sensor hints at future payment capabilities beyond NFC.
• 🚀 Investor reactions to Apple's upcoming iPhone launch may impact stock performance.
• 📡 Microsoft's share repurchase program signals strategic financial moves to benefit investors.
• ❓ Contrasting buyback programs of Apple and Microsoft reveal different investor perceptions.
• 🍝 Apple's aggressive buyback approach in the past quarter contrasts with Microsoft's steady repurchase strategy.
• 🙈 Apple's market performance is seen as strong, while Microsoft's program may be viewed more as a stock enticement.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is Google acquiring Bump app now, despite its long history?

Google likely has strategic plans for Bump's technology, potentially moving away from NFC for data transfer purposes.

Q: How does Apple's fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s relate to future payment systems?

The sensor's secure platform hints at future payment integration, leveraging iTunes accounts for secure transactions.

Q: What can investors expect from Apple's upcoming iPhone launch weekend in terms of sales numbers?

Expectations range from 5 to 8 million units sold; investor reactions may vary based on actual figures.

Q: Is Apple's pricing strategy for the iPhone 5c too high, leaving room for market competition?

Some analysts view the pricing as a missed opportunity, suggesting a potential impact on market share in pricing-sensitive segments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Google acquires Bump, an innovative app for data transfer via phone bumps, suggesting a shift from NFC technology.

• Apple's new fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s hints at future payment capabilities, diverging from NFC approach.

• Apple's upcoming iPhone launch expected to see investor reactions, with focus on unit sales numbers and valuation.