Michael Simon, staff writer for PC World, discusses Apple's 11.3 iOS announcement, as well as the HomePod which is now available for pre-order. He also explores what China's first ever annual decline in phone shipments could mean.
Simon says iOS 11.3 will finally allow users to check the health of their batteries, a growing issue for customers. The iOS 11.3 will also offer new Animojis. Apple says the update is due out this spring.
Simon also discusses Apple's new HomePod, now available for pre-order. While the company has a loyal following of people who will definitely purchase the product, he doesn't see most people paying $349 when Amazon's Echo is just $99. Concerning China's decline in phone shipments, Simon says Americans will always buy new phones for new features, but China is a different market and Apple will need to learn how to adjust.
Electric vehicle charging company Wallbox goes public via a SPAC on the NYSE under the ticker symbol WBX.
Wallbox has merged with special purpose acquisition corporation Kensington Capital Acquisition. Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The parcel delivery industry is getting more competitive as more companies enter the space with climate change in mind. Carl-Magnus Norden, founder and executive chairman at Volta Trucks, joined Cheddar to talk about electrifying delivery vehicles as well as the startup’s $44 million funding round. Despite ongoing driver shortages, he noted that he didn't see autonomous delivery being available in city settings within the next five years.
Jeff Bezos' space travel company Blue Origin is under fire after a group of 20 current and former employees signed a letter to the FAA claiming safety violations that were detailed along with accusations of sexual harassment.
Cloud contact center software company Five9's shareholders voted against the $14.7 billion all-stock acquisition deal from Zoom. A return to offices and in-person meetings have been cited for at least some of the reasons the deal ultimately fell through.
Autonomous car companies Waymo and Cruise are one step closer to offering driverless ridesharing in California after receiving approval from the state's DMV to begin charging fees for their services. Both companies still need approval from the California Public Utilities Commission before offering rides to the public.
