Zoom unveils a new marketplace and integrations, Spotify introduces a novel format, and we assess Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go. This is your Daily Crunch for October 14, 2020.

Key development: Zoom introduces its events marketplace

Zoom’s newly launched OnZoom marketplace provides a platform for anyone to organize and market tickets for virtual events. The platform also incorporates functionality for nonprofit organizations to receive donations.

The company also revealed several other updates during its Zoomtopia user conference. Notably, it is integrating with an initial group of 35 third-party applications, known as “Zapps,” which will allow services like Asana and Dropbox to function directly within the Zoom environment.

Furthermore, Zoom announced that it will commence the rollout of end-to-end encryption – a feature previously announced following the acquisition of Keybase in May – to its users in the coming week.

Major technology companies

Spotify presents a new format combining music and spoken word content, available to all creators — This new format is intended to replicate the experience of listening to a radio DJ discuss music selections, and also facilitates the creation of podcasts featuring musical content.

Microsoft deconstructs a cost-effective computer with the Surface Laptop Go — Brian Heater observes that the Laptop Go represents an unusual, yet often effective, combination of Surface design principles and budget-conscious choices.

Google releases Journalist Studio, a collection of technology-driven tools for reporters — The suite encompasses a range of existing tools, alongside two new products designed to assist reporters in searching extensive documents and creating data visualizations.

Startups, funding, and venture capital

Getaround secures $140M in Series E funding amid a recovery in short-distance travel — The resurgence in travel is evident: I personally utilized a Getaround vehicle this past weekend.

Augury obtains $55M for technology that forecasts machine failures through vibration, sound, and temperature analysis — The company collaborates with major corporations such as Colgate and Heineken to maintain machinery within their production and distribution networks.

Plenty has raised over $500M to cultivate fruits and vegetables in indoor environments — The funding round was spearheaded by current investor SoftBank Vision Fund and included participation from Driscoll’s, a leading berry farming company.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

The iPhone 12 provides insights into the current state of the smartphone industry in 2020 — Although the iPhone 12’s development began before the onset of the current pandemic, the pandemic-related global disruptions have only intensified pre-existing challenges for smartphone manufacturers.

Databricks achieved a $350M annual recurring revenue in Q3, an increase from $200M the previous year — The data analytics company has experienced rapid growth, positioning it for a potential initial public offering.

Dear Sophie: Navigating visa options after COVID-19 disruption — The latest guidance from immigration attorney Sophie Alcorn.

(Note: Extra Crunch is our subscription program dedicated to providing accessible information about startups. We are currently offering a fall sale!)

Other noteworthy developments

NASA awards $370M to 14 companies for ‘tipping point’ technologies — NASA has announced over $370 million in “Tipping Point” contracts to more than a dozen companies developing potentially groundbreaking space technologies.

Harley-Davidson should continue production of e-motorcycles — That is Jake Bright’s conclusion after spending three weeks with the LiveWire e-motorcycle.

The Daily Crunch is TechCrunch’s compilation of its most significant and impactful stories. To receive this summary in your inbox daily around 3pm Pacific time, you can subscribe here.