Weekly Tech Highlights: Microsoft's Surprise Invention, Apple Watch Concerns And More

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Microsoft CorporationMSFT
was expected to focus exclusively on Windows 10 during its press event this week. Instead the company took the opportunity to promote an entirely new product alongside its next-generation operating system.
Apple Inc.AAPL
is expected to report high iPhone 6 sales this week. Unfortunately, investors might be distracted by Apple's guidance, particularly as it relates to the Apple Watch. Speaking of the Apple Watch, it could have a battery problem. Elsewhere,
Google IncGOOG
is reportedly interested in becoming a cellular service provider. Last but not least, some entrepreneurs are annoyed with
Facebook IncFB
and Apple for reducing their ability to promote marijuana-related products.

RELATED LINK: The Big Future Of Mini PCs

Microsoft Aims High With HoloLens AR Headset

Facebook and
Sony Corp
are currently vying for control of the virtual reality space. Microsoft was expected to do the same, but the company took another route and tackled augmented reality instead. The resulting product is HoloLens, a special AR headset that merges a host of virtual visuals (Skype, video displays and interactive game content, among others) with the real world. "This is the sort of thing you'd expect from a cutting-edge technology company," Thomas H. Yorke, managing director of Oceanic Capital Management,
told Benzinga
.

Related Link: Can Microsoft Build The Netflix Of Gaming?

Apple Watch Guidance Could Overshadow iPhone Sales

Multiple analysts have
stated
their
belief
that the
Apple Watch
will be Apple's fastest-selling product. Other analysts fear that Apple will stifle the hype by announcing lower sales expectations. "Everyone will be wondering how much they should be modeling for the Apple Watch," Cody Willard, chairman of
Scutify
(a social network for investors),
told Benzinga
. "Those are numbers that are really all over the place. I would expect Apple, in its usual way, to temper any optimism about it, probably talk it down, guide lower. I wouldn't be surprised to see the stock get hit after the quarter. Five, 10 percent, who knows?"

Related Link: Can Microsoft Build The Netflix Of Gaming?

Battery Life Could Also Be A Problem

If the Apple Watch fails at retail, Apple might be able to blame it on battery life. JP Morgan analysts
released a report
about the rumor that the Apple Watch's battery might not live up to expectations. They believe that the watch will be able to rest in standby or some other lower-power mode for approximately two to three days. Depending on the final results, this might not be that different from the initial expectations. Apple was originally thought to be aiming for three days in standby or four days in sleep mode. If the final results fall on the low end of the spectrum (two days in standby), that could be an issue.
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Google Could Be Your Next Cellular Service Provider

Google might become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). The company is
reportedly interested
in buying wholesale access to mobile data networks from
Sprint
and
T-Mobile
. Google would then resell the service to consumers, similar to the way Virgin Mobile (which uses Sprint) operates in the United States.

Apple And Instagram Said No To Cannabis

Apple and Facebook-owned Instagram have begun to crack down on those who promote the recreational use of marijuana. This move has angered many entrepreneurs who are looking to sell marijuana-related products. "Facebook is doing it because they don't know where the moral and legislative compass is," Kaiser Wahab, an attorney and partner at
Wahab & Medenica LLC
, told
Benzinga
. Tech industry expert and analyst Jeff Kagan said that it is the companies' responsibility to take action. "These are companies that provide these technologies that allow this kind of thing to happen,” Kagan told Benzinga. “Whether they like it or not they play a role.” Disclosure:
At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report.
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