As Twitter looks to broaden its appeal beyond its 241m users, it is introducing a redesign of profile pages that includes bigger photos, more user controls, and a distinct resemblance to Facebook.

Facebook is placing a $19bn (€13.87bn) bet on reaching its next billion mobile users with the acquisition of WhatsApp, the messaging service that lets people send texts, photos, and videos, on their smartphones.

Google reported sales that topped estimates during the third quarter as advertisers boosted spending on mobile and video promotions.

Twitter has hired Nathan Hubbard, the ex president of Ticketmaster, as its first head of commerce, part of a push to enable shopping via short postings on its social website.

Facebook reported sales and profits that exceeded analysts’ estimates as the operator of the social-networking service attracted more marketers to its mobile advertising services.

Facebook is set to unveil a mystery product that has something to do with Google’s Android operating system for mobile devices, a move that coincides with rapid growth among the number of users who access the social network from smartphones and tablet computers.

Yahoo, the biggest US web portal, reported profit and sales that topped analysts’ estimates, as chief executive Marissa Mayer benefited from a rise in the prices charged for advertisements.

Facebook’s first earnings report as a public company had solid numbers, but in the end it landed with a thud – much like its rocky initial public offering two months ago.

Microsoft is absorbing a $6.2bn (€4.9bn) charge to reflect that one of the biggest deals in its 37-year history fell flat.

Facebook has boosted the price range on its initial public offering to seek up to $12.8bn (€10.1bn), signalling chief executive Mark Zuckerberg expects demand for the social network to withstand recent market turmoil.

Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL are joining forces in an online advertising attack on Google and Facebook.

Facebook is trying to evolve from an internet hangout where people share titbits, links and photos to a homestead decorated with the memories, dreams and diversions of its 800 million users.

Isaac “Biz” Stone is moving on from Twitter, just five years after co-founding the microblogging site that has become integral to the social media scene around the globe.

Twitter has bought TweetDeck, a London-based start-up that helps people read, write and organise the short messages posted on the online network.

Social networking site Facebook has landed a cash injection from a major Wall Street bank which values the company at $50bn (€37.54bn), it was reported today.

GOOGLE Inc, owner of the world’s most popular search engine, said third-quarter profit increased as businesses spent more on advertising for online consumers.

YAHOO!, owner of the second most popular US internet search engine, has reported sales that missed analysts’ estimates as marketers devoted online ad spending to rival sites. The shares fell in late trading.

GOOGLE, owner of the world’s most popular search engine, has reported profits that missed some analysts’ estimates as the company ramped up spending.