*By Alisha Haridasani*
Apple plans to introduce software that will reportedly help habitual iPhone users spend less time glued to their smartphones, a shift away from the company’s efforts to keep people more reliant on its hardware.
The company is expected to unveil its Digital Health initiative at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference next week in San Jose, [Bloomberg reported](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-31/apple-to-tout-digital-health-ar-features-at-software-conference). The tools, bundled with the new iOS mobile operating system, help monitor how much time people spend on their phones.
The Digital Health tools are likely a response to concerns raised by two of the company's shareholders in January about the possibly addictive nature of some smartphone apps, particularly among children. “We believe there is a clear need for Apple to offer parents more choices and tools to help them ensure that young consumers are using their products in an optimal manner,” the shareholders said in an [open letter](https://thinkdifferentlyaboutkids.com/).
Apple’s decision to encourage people to put down the company’s most popular product may seem counterintuitive, but it may also point towards a future business strategy for Apple that is more reliant on its services business, which includes Apple Music and iCloud.
The iPhone accounted for more than 60 percent of Apple's revenue in [Q2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/Q2_FY18_Data_Summary.pdf), but growth in sales have slowed in the past few years. Apple’s services, however, are starting to generate more revenue, surpassing revenue from iPads, Macs, and other accessories, such as Apple Watch and Apple TV.
Apple has tried to boost subscriptions for its Music service and has invested in producing original content, as competition with Spotify and Netflix heats up.
AT&T and Verizon say they will delay some new 5G wireless service after the airline industry raised alarms about potential interference with important systems on planes.
GreenPower Motor Company CEO Fraser Atkinson joined Cheddar News to discuss Gov. Jim Justice's plan for West Virginia to reduce carbon emissions in 2022 by adding a school bus fleet of B.E.A.S.T.s — or battery-electric automated school transportation. Atkinson discussed why the state was perfect for manufacturing electric buses, and the economic impact its facilities will have on the region. He also noted a health impact the new vehicles could have, citing research that children from kindergarten to sixth grade are most at risk for cancers and respiratory illnesses due to exhaust pollution.
Two of the biggest names in crypto had a public spat this week over whether stablecoin issuers should have to reveal to the general public what's in their reserves.
Amid a rise in gun-related deaths in 2021, a smart technology solution is being touted to help personalize and secure the use of firearms for owners in hopes of preventing unauthorized use and accidents. Gareth Glaser, president and CEO of LodeStar Works talked with Cheddar about adding fingerprint or smart tech locks to its 9mm handgun as a way of addressing the deadly issue without a partisan viewpoint. "We felt a technical solution would be the best way to go," Glaser said. "It's nonpolitical, and it actually addresses the product itself as opposed to a cultural issue."
As the cryptocurrency and digital asset space continues to evolve and grow, one podcast launching on Spotify's new video podcast platform aims to inform listeners about the various uses and developments in the crypto world. 'New Money' features guests from the entertainment and sports worlds discussing building wealth in the crypto space, creating NFTs, working on digital contracts, and more. Solo Ceesay, co-host of the 'New Money' podcast and co-founder of creator-focused social media platform Calaxy, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what the podcast will explore, its guest lineup, how they verify content amid broader crypto speculation, and more.
Lime is celebrating the launch of its latest electric bike in Washington, DC, this week, with more cities joining in this spring. The Gen4 e-bike boasts a new look, a more powerful motor, and a battery that's interchangeable with the Gen4 e-scooter. CEO Wayne Ting joined Cheddar to discuss the company's investment in electric bikes and the potential role of micromobility in the metaverse. "I think it would be incredible as a way to teach people to live greener, if there are worlds out there, metaverses out there, where the way you go faster in that world is if you take a bike and a scooter," he said. "So, you're teaching people better behavior as part of their virtual world as well."
Microsoft has discontinued the Xbox One as it looks to focus on ramping up production for its current Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. The Xbox One first hit the market in November 2013.
Alfred Griffin, the CEO and Co-Founder of LightForce, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how 3D printing is making braces more affordable and personalized, and what this means for the future of orthodontics.
Alex Garden, Chairman and CEO at Zume, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss how individuals can take steps to end their reliance on plastic, and Zume's partnership with global robotics company ABB to put sustainability at the forefront.
