Intel, the world’s biggest chipmaker, has announced an investment of more than US$4 billion in ASML Holdings NV, the Dutch semiconductor giant.

The think-tank of Apple seems like running out of oil just before its most ambitious launch of iPhone 5 later this year. Already, the sales of Apple iPhone 4S have taken a fair bit of beating due to weak Euro and fierce competition from rival Nokia and Samsung.

Facebook and Yahoo on Friday settled their long-running legal battle over patents, and expressed consent on forging a new advertising partnership for Internet and licensing.