Apple revealed a new development with a “One More Thing” presentation leading into the holiday season, Uber introduced the ability to schedule rides up to 30 days in advance, and Spotify completed another acquisition in the podcasting space. This is your Daily Crunch for November 10, 2020.

Key news: Apple introduces the next generation of Macs

Apple held a concise “One More Thing” event to announce three new Mac models, all powered by the M1 chip – the company’s inaugural chip designed specifically for Macs. This announcement marks the beginning of a previously communicated transition to Apple silicon across the entire Mac product line.

Regarding the new Mac offerings, a redesigned MacBook Air is available starting at $999, promising 3.5 times the performance of the prior generation, and notably, it operates without a cooling fan! A new Mac Mini is also available, with a starting price of $699, alongside a 13-inch MacBook Pro beginning at $1,299.

Furthermore, Big Sur, the latest iteration of the Mac operating system, is scheduled for release this Thursday, November 12.

Major technology companies

Uber is now enabling users to reserve rides as far as 30 days ahead and select a preferred driver – this new feature, known as Uber Reserve, will become available within the app over the coming week.

Google is integrating COVID-19 related health and safety details into Google Travel — Users searching for hotels and vacation rentals through Google Travel may now find information regarding COVID-19 safety measures implemented at those properties.

Spotify is acquiring Megaphone, a podcast hosting and advertising company, for $235 million — Spotify already maintained a partnership with Megaphone, utilizing its hosting services.

Startups, funding, and venture capital

Hopin secured $125 million in funding for its online events platform, fueled by substantial growth — TechCrunch itself is a customer of Hopin’s online events platform.

Spearhead launched its fourth fund, totaling $100 million, with the goal of developing founders into skilled venture capital investors — The core concept involves providing founders with strong networks and drive $1 million in capital to begin making angel investments and building their own investment portfolios.

Carbon Health raised $100 million to facilitate the expansion of temporary clinics in preparation for COVID-19 vaccination programs — The company intends to establish 100 pop-up clinics across 20 U.S. markets.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

Five VCs shared their perspectives on the future of SaaS and software following the positive news regarding Pfizer’s vaccine development — SaaS stocks experienced a decline in value after the vaccine announcement, but what is the reaction from venture capitalists?

Accelerators are adapting to changes brought about by the pandemic — We interviewed leaders from three accelerators to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift to a virtual environment.

A founder’s reflections on venture capital — Andy Arieto of TheVentureCity shares valuable insights.

(Please remember: Extra Crunch is our subscription service, dedicated to providing accessible information about startups. You can find subscription details here.)

Other news

All Slingbox devices will cease functioning within two years — All Slingbox products will gradually become less operational, culminating in a complete shutdown in two years.

House Representatives have requested the FCC to postpone work on any contentious, politically motivated items during the transition period — This includes the FCC’s attempt to revise Section 230, a crucial protection for internet platforms, as requested by the Trump administration.

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