Microsoft To Buy Nokia’s Mobile Division? (Rumor)

Hot on the heels of their acquisition of Skype for $8.5 Billion, rumors now suggests that Microsoft is close to having a big deal of buying out Nokia’s mobile division.

The rumor comes from none other than the well known and respected Russian based technology analyst Eldar Murtazin, who believes that Microsoft and Nokia will announce the said deal deal as soon as next week.

With Nokia still struggling to match both Apple’s iPhone and Android devices in smartphone space, is to drop the name Ovi and sell apps under the Nokia brand in future, and likewise Microsoft still having not-so-good-looking sales figures for its WindowsPhone 7 based devices, the deal probably will bring hope of improving ailing fortunes of both the companies.

Could this be the end of Nokia as we know it? We cant be sure at the moment of course. But if sources of Murtazin are to believed, it could well possibly be it. It is also important to note here that Microsoft and Nokia have already announced a strategic partnership earlier this year according to which Nokia will be dumping Symbian and MeeGo in favor of Windows Phone 7 as the primary smartphone platform for its handsets.

Apple planning major product launch for 10th retail anniversary?

Apple may be planning something big for its 10th retail anniversary this Thursday the 19th. Here’s what we’ve been told:

• There’s an overnight shift planned for around 10-15 individuals at each Apple Store to work from late Saturday all the way through mid-Sunday.
• During the overnight shift, it’s going to be required that employees lock cell phones in the main office. They will also have to sign an NDA with Apple.
• There are a wide variety of roles, we’re told, for the overnight shift. This includes all visuals staff, a manager, a business team member, a few Genius team members, one back-of-house employee, and a few generic Apple specialists.
• Apple stores have apparently already received hardware to install, and are expecting more hardware to come on Friday or Saturday. All materials that Apple stores have received have been instructed to be under lock and key until after close on Saturday night.
• Apple employees will be putting up black curtains at all stores so that people walking outside cannot see inside.
• Employees have had to download gigabytes of data from Apple corporate labeled, “training” in a password-protected zipped folder that won’t accessible to managers or anyone else until Saturday afternoon.
• Lastly, all Apple retail stores have mandatory meetings on Sunday, May 22nd. Most meeting are scheduled for the morning, but there are evening meetings as well.

The question is, what is Apple planning?

Apple offering free repairs for iPod touches, iPhones, and Macs damaged in the Japan quake and tsunami

Apple is offering free service and repair to those Mac users who were affected by the Japan tsunami and earthquake in March. As stated in a Support & Information Services note [Japanese version/ Google-translated English version] on Apple's Japanese website, the company is offering free repairs of any Macs, Cinema Displays, iPhones, iPads or iPod touches damaged in the disaster. Apple's offer applies to those directly affected by the earthquake who primarily live in municipalities covered by the Disaster Relief Act of 2011.

This isn't the first time Apple has offered to help those who suffered in the Japan disaster earlier this year. Local Apple Retail managers opened up Apple Stores as sorts of communication centers that allowed people to use the Internet on the store's machines to email, FaceTime and Skype their loved ones. Additionally, several Mac developers came to the aid of the disaster victims offering donations from the proceeds of their apps. Apple and all member of the Mac community who have helped and continue to help those in need deserve props and recognition for their support and humanity.

Originally posted in March, Apple's announcement joins Softbank's offer to replace lost iPhones registered to its network, and free calls to Japan from U.S. carriers, among others. Considering water and other accidental damage typically voids a device's warranty, you'll want to give AppleCare a call soon -- the acceptance period only runs through June 30th.