THE NEWS WRAP: Google’s third quarter results fall just short of analysts’ expectations

Google has reported third quarter results that are slightly below analysts’ expectations.

The company had gross revenue of $US16.52 billion ($A18.86 billion), revenue net of traffic acquisitions costs (ex-TAC) of $13.17 billion, GAAP earnings per share of $4.09, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $6.35.

Analysts had expected Google to earn $6.53 per share on a non-GAAP basis, on net ex-TAC revenue of $13.22 billion.

Google CFO Patrick Pichette called the company’s quarterly performance strong and says revenue is up 20% year-on-year.

“We continue to be excited about the growth in our advertising and emerging businesses,” he says.

Whisper tracking users

Anonymous social network startup Whisper is tracking the location of its users, including those who have specifically asked not to be followed, The Guardian reports.

The startup is also sharing information with the US Department of Defense gleaned from smartphones it knows are being used from military bases, and is developing a version of its app that will conform with Chinese censorship laws.

The Guardian also found that Whisper posts that users believe have been deleted are collated in a searchable database.

Apple introduces iPad Air 2

Apple has unveiled the iPad Air 2, a new version of its popular tablet with a Touch ID sensor and thinner body.

The iPad Air 2 pricing starts at a suggested at $US499 ($A570)for 16GB Wi-Fi models, up to $US729 for the 128gb Wi-Fi and cellular model. Apple says the new iPads will be available in Australia later next week.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 24.50 to 16,117.24. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US88 cents.

Follow StartupSmart on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.