Apple Brings Better Discussion, iPad Course Creation To iTunes U

 Apple has updated iTunes U with a bunch of new features, cranking the version number up to 2 and introducing improved discussion features and the ability to create and update courses directly from the iPad app, which previously has been mostly a user-facing client for consuming content. Read More

Curse, An Under-The-Radar Community For Hard-Core Gamers, Raises $16M

 Not to glorify another high school dropout, but Hubert Thieblot had one of those unusual, circuitous paths toward building a profitable gaming startup. An avid World of Warcraft player, he started a website for his guild under the name Curse about a decade ago. “I wanted to have something I could do anywhere in the world,” he said nonchalantly. “A website seemed like a… Read More

Apple’s “Secret” eBay Store Returns

 In fall 2012, a mysterious eBay store appeared that only sold Apple products at prices that undercut Apple’s own online refurbished store. The store was widely speculated to have been run by Apple, despite the company never confirming its involvement. That store disappeared last year, but now one just like it has returned, and this time around, it’s selling “Apple… Read More

Uber Caps Surge Pricing During Emergencies Nationwide

 Uber is doing away with its practice of charging exorbitant rates for transportation during emergencies in the U.S., the company confirmed today. While its new caps on surge pricing during those times were first announced through a partnership with the state of New York, the company will follow the same policy nationwide. Read More

With NYC Launch, Lyft Looks To Take On Uber And Local Regulators

 On-demand ride-sharing startup Lyft has been aggressively expanding its service across the U.S. over the last year, but this week could mark its biggest launch and biggest challenge yet. That’s because, for the first time ever, the company is preparing to launch in New York, a region known for its regulatory morass. Read More

Microsoft’s Project Spark Game Creation Tool Will Come Out Of Beta In Early October

 Microsoft today announced that the retail version of its Project Spark game-creation tool for PC and Xbox One will be available in October. It’ll go on sale in the Americas on October 7, in Asia-Pacific countries on October 9 and in Europe on October 10. The retail version will sell for $39.99 and include a bunch of new content for users to use in their own games, as well as… Read More

Announcing The Winner Of KrakowCrunch: FashionNote

 Deep in the heart of Krakow, in a billiards hall called The Stage, nine amazing startups appeared before over 150 amazing members of the Polish startup community. They pitched, the parried questions, and in the end, one company one. It was one or the best and most respectful meet-ups we’ve ever held and I’m glad I got to witness it. Our Krakow pitch-off was a last-minute decision… Read More