In Tech: Minecraft for schools, Amazon Dash, data encryption

Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and has plans to create a bigger and better version of the popular world-building video game that's designed for classrooms.

Microsoft says the new version will add and expand features intended to make the game classroom friendly, including better maps and coordinates that will help teachers and students find their way around a Minecraft world together.

Perks for educators include an online community with a mentorship program for connecting teachers experienced with Minecraft to those new to it.

Some government and police officials may be seething because encryption makes it harder for them to track criminals and extremists, but it turns out that many companies aren't bothering to protect their data by encoding it in the first place.

Verizon is the latest cellphone company to offer Web surfing for customers that doesn't count against their data caps.

A company can pay Verizon so that phone users can browse their websites, watch video clips or download their apps without using up their data allotment.

While net neutrality rules enacted last year don't ban the practice of picking and choosing services that won't count against data caps, technically known as "zero rating," some advocates say it could hinder innovation or favor some companies over others.

Net neutrality refers to the concept that websites and apps should be treated equally by Internet service providers.