TC Roundup: SoftBank emerges as the biggest challenger to Uber

SoftBank emerges as the biggest challenger to Uber: If you live in the U.S., the chances are that your definition of the biggest rival to Uber is Lyft. The ride-sharing service operates in many of the same U.S. cities as Uber, and the two have a keen rivalry, which includes some less-than-ethical practices on both sides. But a new, less obvious, force has emerged out of Asia to offer Uber its stiffest competition yet: and surprisingly it is a telecom company. (Tech Crunch)

Apple steps up lobbying in Washington: Tim Cook recently traveled to an unfamiliar destination for an Apple Inc. (AAPL) chief executive officer: The U.S. Capitol.

During the trip last month, Cook posed for a photo with Senator Orrin Hatch, the Utah Republican taking over the Senate Finance Committee this year. It was one of the meetings Cook had while in town, which also included a stop at Apple's store in the Georgetown area. (Bloomberg)

Amazon to begin producing, acquiring original movies: Not content with its recent Golden Globe victories in television, Amazon.com Inc. wants to see itself on the big screen. (The Wall Street Journal)