Shares in Google and Microsoft plummeted yesterday as both posted earnings that disappointed analysts.

Microsoft is acquiring professional social network LinkedIn for $26.2bn (€23.19bn) in one of the largest tech-industry deals on record, as the maker of Windows software attempts to put itself at the centre of people’s business lives.

Microsoft is purchasing professional social network LinkedIn in a deal reported to be worth $26.2 billion.

WPP has begun the search for a new chief executive, for when founder Martin Sorrell steps down.

Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, JP Morgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon, and Alibaba’s Jack Ma will share the spotlight with a prize-winning South Korean robot called Hubo at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum this week in the Swiss ski resort.

POW! BAM! KABLAM! That is the sound of your computer trying to run Batman: Arkham Knight. The Caped Crusader’s latest game has been an absolute disaster on PC. The game locks up so often it’s putting Mr Freeze out of a job. Did the Joker get his hands on the code before release? Whatever the case, the joke is on us.

The Greek government is reportedly planning to request a new two-year bailout deal from the eurozone, from coal to drugs - Christy Keane’s business empires, how to plan your finance route carefully for a new set of wheels and the world’s tallest cow. Here’s this evening’s irishexaminer.com catch-up.

The Greek Finance Minster has said his country will not make the IMF payment, Gardaí in Limerick are on a heightened state of alert amid fears of a gang feud following the attempted murder of Christy Keane, Kauto Star has been put down after a fall and the end of the Windows Phone. Just some of the latest and most read stories on irishexaminer.com.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently stated that the company must make some difficult decisions; reports claim that killing off Windows Phone will be one of them.

Microsoft will launch a standalone app to bring its Cortana digital assistant to Android and iOS later this year.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has apologised and said he was wrong for saying that women don’t need to ask for a raise and should just trust the system to pay them well.

Microsoft boss Satya Nadella has provoked a storm by saying women do not need to ask for a pay rise, but should just trust the system – one that at technology companies is overwhelmingly male.

It is believed that only a handful of positions at Microsoft’s Irish operations will be affected by the decision to cut 18,000 staff from its 127,000 worldwide workforce.

Microsoft is to axe up to 18,000 jobs over the next year as the US software giant begins the steepest cuts in the firm’s 39-year history.

Microsoft, which employs almost 2,000 people in Ireland, could announce at least 5,800 job losses worldwide within a matter of days, it has emerged.

Microsoft has announced plans to produce a larger version of its Surface tablet to make the device more compelling as a laptop replacement.

Microsoft has posted earnings and revenue that beat Wall Street expectations in Satya Nadella’s first quarterly earnings release as chief executive, offering new justification for his focus on cloud computing.

Microsoft has confirmed that it will complete its acquisition of Nokia’s mobile phone business this Friday, expanding the reach of the Windows Phone operating system.

A positive report on US consumer spending helped push most stocks higher for the first time in three days.

Microsoft is unveiling Office for the iPad, a software suite that includes programmes such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and works on rival Apple’s hugely popular tablet computer.

Microsoft has named 22-year company veteran Satya Nadella as its next chief executive, ending a protracted search for a new leader after Steve Ballmer announced his intention to retire in August.