Breaking: Microsoft confirms intent to purchase GitHub for $7.5 billion in stock

Chris Wanstrath (left), Github CEO and co-founder; Nat Friedman, Microsoft corporate vice president, Developer Services; Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO; and Amy Hood, Microsoft Chief Financial Officer.

GitHub will retain its developer-first ethos. Operate independently and remain an open platform. -Microsoft

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Further to the earlier report that Microsoft is purchasing code repository and developer community hangout GitHub, we now have confirmation from Redmond that Microsoft intends to purchases GitHub for $7.5 billion in Microsoft stock.

Microsoft says that the "two companies will empower developers to achieve more at every stage of the development lifecycle, accelerate enterprise use of GitHub, and bring Microsoft’s developer tools and services to new audiences."

"The era of the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge is upon us. Computing is becoming embedded in the world, with every part of our daily life and work and every aspect of our society and economy being transformed by digital technology.Developers are the builders of this new era, writing the world’s code. And GitHub is their home," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated in a blog post. 

Click to read more ...

Apple Watch coming to seven more countries, retail sales begin on June 26

With supplies finally ramping up and most editions of the Apple Watch becoming available, Apple has announced that their wearable is coming to seven more countries.  Apple also announced today that interested customers will finally be able to buy Apple Watch and bands in store starting June 26.

The Watch comes to Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan on June 26. "We're making great progress in our backlog of Apple Watch orders," said Jeff Williams, Apple's SVP of operations. Anyone who ordered an Apple Watch in May (except for the super rare Space Black Stainless Steel with Black Link Bracelet), should receive a shipping notice from Apple within the next two weeks.

The Apple Beat: Apple's back in the news, but not for new products

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple's been a hot topic of late but not because of any new products or services. Sure, the new MacBook Airs have arrived and now offer even better battery life thanks to newer Intel processors. The biggest Apple news this past week was the company's stock surging to over $600 a share, the new addition of Burberry Wunderkind Angela Arhendts as the new Senior VP for Retail, as well as Apple winning the long-contested patent lawsuit against supplier and arch-rival Samsung.

Click to read more ...