Voices

Justice Department Bites Apple

The 30 percent revenue-share model is Apple’s standard practice, not, as alleged by the government, the product of a conspiracy. Whether it’s news, games, apps or books, Apple’s position is the same.

Newfangled Aggregator Trapit Hires an Old-Timer: Yahoo Editor Liz Lufkin

The start-up says it uses artificial intelligence to sort out the best Web news stories for you. But it wants a human to help out, anyway.
trapit screenshot

U.S. Sues Apple, Publishers Over E-Book Pricing

The U.S. filed an antitrust lawsuit Wednesday against Apple Inc. and five of the nation’s largest publishers, alleging they conspired to limit competition for the pricing of e-books.

Amazon Matches Apple’s Revenue Split for In-App Payments

Starting today, Amazon is letting developers in its Appstore sell digital content and subscriptions within their apps, and has confirmed that it will take a standard 30 percent cut of revenue.
amazon app store

Voices

Talks Quicken Over E-Book Pricing

Talks to resolve U.S. and European price-fixing probes into e-books are heating up, with three international publishers inclined to settle the matter, according to people familiar with the matter.

U.S. Warns Apple, Publishers

The Justice Department has warned Apple Inc. and five of the biggest U.S. publishers that it plans to sue them for allegedly colluding to raise the price of electronic books, according to people familiar with the matter.

Voices

Papers Put Faith in Paywalls

As more newspapers close the door on free access to their websites, some publishers are still waiting for paying customers to pour in.

Apple Unveils iPad Textbook Plan

At a special event in New York City, Apple rolls out a new textbook initiative and the partnerships to support it.
apple_textbooks

Content (Recommendation) Doesn’t Come Cheap: Outbrain Raises Another $35 Million

You know those “recommended” links at the bottom of this post? Turns out that’s a huge business.
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Voices

Justice Department Confirms E-Book Probe

The U.S. Justice Department confirmed Wednesday that it is conducting an antitrust investigation into the pricing of electronic books, the latest antitrust watchdog to probe whether there was improper collusion by publishers and Apple Inc. to prevent discounting.