Apple reportedly looking to buy Cobalt directly from miners. The metal is used in lithium-ion batteries in Apple's devices, but it can also power electric vehicles. Shares of Apple up half a percent on Wednesday. Inverse Technology Reporter Mike Brown explains how this move might help Apple further its dominance in the tech space.
"There's a race at the moment for supplies over the coming few years," says Brown. Electric vehicles use about 1,000 times as much Cobalt as smartphone devices.
"It would be the first time Apple secured its own Cobalt supply so it could help to re position itself as a company, rather than going to factory manufacturers that deal directly with suppliers itself," says Brown.
Tesla is rolling out its latest self-driving software beta testing program, offering access to a limited number of Tesla owners. The closed beta will cost an additional $10,000 up front or $199 per month for the opportunity to test the system.
DoorDash is getting into the advertising business and will list restaurant ads on the platform. Restaurants can compete for ad space through a bidding system, but DoorDash will only be paid if orders are placed at the advertised business.
Twitter has introduced a soft block feature to its platform. You can now remove a follower without them knowing, preventing them from seeing your tweets on their timeline. However, that former follower will still be able to see your tweets by clicking on your profile and can send direct messages.
