Microsoft is desperate to grab a bigger share of the online-advertising market because many of its software products are being challenged by free, advertising-supported services offered by Google.

ECONOMIST: Microsoft's bid for Yahoo!

The new online services now being offered by Amazon and Apple, by Google and Facebook, offer all sorts of benefits to anyone who wants to run their life on the move from any device.

BBC: How safe is life online?

Netflix continues to win new subscribers despite competing with a host of other online and offline video services offered by players like Apple, Amazon, Google, Comcast and Time Warner Cable.

FORBES: Netflix Looking At Big Stock Upside From Falling Cost Of New Subscribers

Many communities already have pockets of limited free Wi-Fi, but until now those services are mostly either centered around public hotspots like parks, hospitals or libraries or offered by major tech firms like Google, which provides Wi-Fi throughout its headquarters city of Mountain View.

NPR: Calif. City Gets Free Wi-Fi Via High Tech Meters