Following Lyft’s simultaneous launch in three cities last week, Uber is offering free UberX rides in a trio of cities, the company said Thursday. The two car-sharing services, which let users order cars from a smartphone app, continue to go head-to-head in US markets, but Uber is clearly trying to make a point: It’s not …

PayPal wants you to ditch your wallet in favor of its mobile payments app, but it knows it can’t compete with your credit cards unless it’s got something extra — like promises of discounts and food. The company released its redesigned mobile payments app on Thursday, boasting $100 worth of in-store deals, more food spots offering the “order ahead and …

The NFL Players Association has contracted with Uber to provide on-demand car service for football players to make sure the pros don’t drive under the influence, the sports union announced Wednesday. The service allows users to order a private vehicle, taxi, or peer-to-peer car service through a mobile app. “The NFLPA is committed to serving our membership both on and …

Samsung has packed some interesting ammo for its new Galaxy Gear smartwatch, including some big-name apps to help lure consumers to its device. The watch debuted with 70 applications, and while Samsung only highlighted a few during its launch demo, the apps — from companies like Evernote, Path, and even eBay — could prove a major draw. Although Sony’s SmartWatch …

Uber has hired three executives from Google, Facebook, and Klout to help manage the business, and rapid growth, of the car service company. In a blog post Tuesday, CEO Travis Kalanick announced the new hires: former Google Treasurer and Chief Accountant Brent Callinicos, former Klout COO Emil Michael, and Ed Baker, Facebook’s head of international growth. This infusion of Silicon …

Lyft is now in 10 cities in the US with simultaneous launches in Indianapolis, St. Paul, Minn., and Atlanta on Thursday. It’s the first time the quirky car-sharing company has launched in three cities at once, which may indicate that it’s ramping up its expansion. Lyft’s more luxurious competitor UberX, a branch of the Uber black-car service, is in 10 …

The appeal of Samsung devices to moms and business travelers could let the South Korean company take a bite out of Apple’s popularity, according to a study released Tuesday. Research firm Flurry Analytics analyzed the users and use patterns of 45,340 Android devices in May, looking at not only how people spend time on their phones, but who those consumers …

Now playing: Watch this: Motorola’s Moto X targets the masses 5:06 Verizon is making the Motorola Moto X smartphone available at Best Buy on Aug. 29, according to a leaked image of an inventory screen obtained by Android Central. The image also shows the devices in stock at the stores by Aug. 15. This follows earlier leaks that suggestedthe phone …

Tempo, the iOS calendar that wants to double as a digital assistant, has launched in Australia and New Zealand, the company announced Tuesday. The move is part of Tempo’s plans for global expansion, something the company said it’s doing slowly to ensure the app is accurately programed with local details in mind. That means Tempo has had to learn the …

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said Tuesday at the Fortune Tech Brainstorm conference in Aspen, Colo., that the company is thinking about offering more than on-demand private drivers. That’s why Uber has dabbled this year in delivering on-demand roses, helicopters, and ice cream trucks. Uber is an app for both iPhone and Android smartphones that enables users to request a ride …