THE NEWS WRAP: Apple continues to grow global smartphone operating profit share

Apple continues to dominate global smartphone profits, according to data from Strategy Analytics.

Venture Beat notes that while Google may be winning the mobile operating system market share race, it lags well behind in profits.

According to the data, Apple iOS grew its global smartphone operating profit share from 70.5% in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 88.7% in Q4 2014. Android accounted for just 11.3% in Q4 2014, down from 29.5% in 2013.

Only Apple and Android hardware partners are turning a profit.

Branch Metrics raises $15 million

Deep-linking startup Branch Metrics has secured $15 million in pre-emptive Series A capital, led by New Enterprise Associates, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Branch Metrics deep-linking technology fixes major problems plaguing mobile search and app discovery. Deep links are already used by Twitter, Instagram and Google to allow mobile users to discover content buried within apps instead of having to download that app to get the information.

Apple Watch announcement around the corner

Apple has sent out invites to a special event to be held on March 9 that is widely expected to be used to give more details about the Apple Watch, The Loop reports.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 10.15 to 18,214.42. The Australian Dollar is currently trading at US78 cents.

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