Apple iPod Co-Inventor Tony Fadell on Combating Addictive Quality of Technology
Apple is responding after two major investors penned a letter to the tech giant, calling on it to combat smartphone addiction among kids. Apple announced it will make parental controls more robust. iPod co-inventor and one of the lead designers of the iPhone Tony Fadell explains ways people, and businesses can combat addictive quality of technology.
"Now we are dealing with the unintended consequences of this technology," said Fadell. "Today we do not have the information at our fingertips to allow us to see what our digital life looks like." Fadell explains its imperative for companies to give us our data back to us, to blend it with our personal data to better understand and improve the way we use technology.
In a statement to USA Today Tuesday Apple said, "Apple has always looked out for kids, and we work hard to create powerful products that inspire, entertain, and educate children while also helping parents protect them online."
"This is an adults issue as well as a kids issue, so we have to think broader," says Fadell. "I'm sure they'll do the right thing. Hopefully Google and others do the same thing."
From flush to brush, AI is taking over our bathroom. Discover how this latest smart tech is both revolutionizing our daily routines and improving our health
Tensor's Robocar will make you money while you sleep. Sony Honda's Afeela 1 blurs the line between car and companion. Welcome to the future of automotive tech
From autonomous bots keeping airports running to humanoids that might become your best friend, take an exclusive look at the machines redefining how we live
From AI everywhere to LEGO’s Smart Brick, The Verge’s Sean Hollister breaks down which CES 2026 innovations are really game-changers—and which may be hype.
Holiday shopping heats up as Tom’s Guide editor Kate Kozuch reveals the tech gifts everyone wants, from wellness gadgets to gaming buzz—and how to score deals!