Technology

Baidu’s health setback may be a chronic condition

14 Jun 2016

A crackdown on healthcare advertising has forced China’s top search engine to cut its quarterly revenue forecast by over 10 pct. The risk is that Beijing’s medical sector cleanup permanently damages Baidu’s ad business. The path to recovery depends on finding new revenue sources.

India’s smartphone giant eyes China role reversal

3 Jun 2016

Micromax has bested Chinese rivals in its home market. To realise its lofty goal of being one of the world's top five handset makers by 2020, it must succeed in the People's Republic. Raising the fresh capital required might be the easiest part for the Indian firm.

India’s unicorns limp along without foreign funds

2 Jun 2016

As capital dries up, signs of stress are emerging among the country’s few $1 bln-plus startups. Delayed hires have prompted a business school spat, while a founder ranted about valuations on his blog. At least unprofitable habits are vanishing along with unreal expectations.

SoftBank’s $8 bln Alibaba sale is late but prudent

1 Jun 2016

Masayoshi Son's tech and telecom conglomerate is offloading 4.2 pct of the Chinese e-commerce giant to pay down debt. The hugely successful investment is now more burden than blessing. As SoftBank takes a more disciplined approach to its portfolio, further disposals may follow.  

Time for Lenovo to get a grip in mobile

27 May 2016

The tech giant is a trailblazer for Chinese firms going global by doing deals overseas and adopting Western governance. The ill-judged takeover of Motorola’s old mobile business is testing that reputation. Absent a quick turnaround, Lenovo’s credibility will take a real dent.