Microsoft Making New Acquisition Into Smartphones

If you can't make it, buy it.  Microsoft has announced that it is buying Nokia's handset business in order to take more control over the manufacturing process and build on their past success.  "Microsoft is betting it will have a better chance of narrowing the gap if it seizes complete control over how the mobile devices work with its Windows software."  Given the fickle nature of phone lovers, the race for dominance in the market is fierce.  Where once Nokia held the top position, now it is Apple and Samsung, but that doesn't mean tat Microsoft and Nokia can't get back in the race.  At the same time, it is more than just the device; it is the apps that run behind it.  Microsoft has much more work ahead of it to gain a foothold against the Android and Apple libraries.  Still, anything is possible and the race is far from over. 

CBS And Time Warner Cable Settle At Last

As of 6pm ET last night, Time Warner Cable customers in NY, LA and other markets got their CBS networks turned on.  And with NFL a week away, just in time.  "The companies didn't disclose specific terms of their new retransmission contract, which spells out the amount of money that TWC pays CBS for the rights to carry the CBS-owned TV stations."  And as all their customers know, that means to expect another subscriber rate increase.  So what happens to all those over the air antennas that customers may have bought?  Perhaps back in the closet till the next broadcast network follows the same playbook.