This week has been full of surprises for the technology sector. Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) decided to venture into hardware with its acquisition of Motorola Mobility while HP (NYSE:HPQ) is focusing on software and seeking a sale of its PC business. In the meanwhile, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced that it will launch an App Store with Windows 8 and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is planning to expand in China ambitions.

HP Buys Autonomy Corp., Plans to Spin Off PC Business and Discontinues webOS

HP had some big surprises for investors when it announced its Q3 FY11 results. It announced that it would acquire Autonomy Corp., one of the largest enterprise software company in the UK for about $10 billion.^[1]

It also revealed that it plans to spin off its personal computer division into a separate business and added that would discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones.

See our note titled HP Looks to Spin Off PC Business & Bid for Autonomy.

Check out our complete analysis of HP.

Microsoft Windows 8 to have an App Store

Windows 8, the next version of Windows, will likely launch in 2012. In a blog post, Steven Sinofsky, President of the Windows Division at Microsoft revealed that Microsoft will be launching a Windows App Store along with Windows 8.^[2] With a user base of hundreds of millions of users, it could potentially become one of Microsoft’s billion dollar businesses.

See our note titled Will Windows 8 App Store be a Billion Dollar Business?

Check out our complete analysis of Microsoft.

Apple Looking to Expand in China

While the rest of the tech sector is struggling with acquisitions and fighting to stay relevant, Apple is in talks with the world’s largest mobile operator – China Mobile.^[3]

Apparently, Apple is planning to launch a custom iPhone for China Mobile, which would support its proprietary 3G standard. Apple currently has close to 200 million iOS users. Its growth has slowed down in the U.S. with the rise of Android. China Mobile has close to 600 million subscribers, which is potentially a huge market for Apple. Apple’s sales in China grew six-fold in the last quarter.

Check out our complete analysis of Apple.

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