Week in review: Microsoft shares rise on consumer preview of Windows 8

The following is a roundup of my stories from Investor’s Business Daily at Investors.com.

Cadence Design Systems looks to take market share in electronic design automation sector. (March 1, 2012)

Robot maker iRobot reorganizes to pursue new markets like health care, retail and security. (Feb. 29, 2012)

Microsoft launches consumer preview of Windows 8 computer operating system. (Feb. 29, 2012)

Apple photo apps in privacy spotlight. Photos on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch vulnerable to snooping. (Feb. 29, 2012)

Netflix dials up the rhetoric against rival Time Warner’s HBO. (Feb. 29, 2012)

First Solar shares dim on Q4 miss, reduced outlook and stock downgrade. (Feb. 29, 2012)

Microsoft shares reached their highest level in nearly four years, ahead of the beta release of its Windows 8 operating system. (Feb. 28, 2012)

Apple shares hit a record high on iPad 3 launch rumors. Apple event scheduled for March 7 in San Francisco. (Feb. 28, 2012)

Mobile accessories maker Zagg beats Wall Street forecasts for Q4 and guides higher for 2012. Stock jumps more than 9% on the news. (Feb. 27, 2012)

Photo: Screenshot of Microsoft’s Metro user interface for Windows 8.