THE NEWS WRAP: London black cab drivers take to the streets to protest Uber

Thousands of black cab drivers in London have protested against technology-enabled taxi services such as Uber.

They are upset that Uber allows its users to call a cab with their mobile phone and the fare is worked out using a mobile phone and GPS.

Cabbies compare this to a taximeter, which legally only black cabs are allowed to use in London.

The protests come just as Uber launches UberTAXI in London, which is open for black-taxi drivers to use unlike its uberX, EXEC and LUX services.

Amazon has another supplier confrontation

Amazon is refusing to sell upcoming Warner Home Video features as part of its effort to gain leverage in a confrontation with a supplier.

In a standoff with Hachette Book Group, Amazon is refusing to take advance orders and delaying shipments.

The two are currently negotiating e-book terms.

Apple tax schemes under investigation

European authorities have launched a probe into whether Apple’s corporate income tax arrangements in Ireland are legal, or whether they qualify as unlawful state aid.

Ireland is the base of choice for many large tech companies’ international operations because of a low corporate tax rate and other favourable laws.

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 102.04 to 16,853.88. The Australian dollar is currently trading at US94 cents.