A bipartisan group of US lawmakers, led by Republican Gus Bilirakis and Democrat Jan Schakowsky, is pressing Apple‘s CEO, Tim Cook, for clarification regarding the tech giant’s restrictive policies towards blockchain and NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) applications on its App Store. In a quest for transparency, the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce sought explanations for the alleged obstruction of NFT and blockchain-related technologies.
Apple has previously insisted on the removal of NFT components of applications
According to the lawmakers, Apple’s App Store guidelines appear designed to bolster its profits while limiting the proliferation of apps featuring blockchain, NFT, and related technologies. The implications of these restrictions have compelled several companies to devise “lite” versions of their apps to meet the App Store’s rules on NFTs.
A case in point is Axie Infinity, a renowned company in the NFT space, which after a two-year negotiation period with Apple, was forced to launch a lite version of its app. Despite the lengthy discussion, Apple insisted on the removal of the NFT component of Axie’s app before allowing its appearance on the App Store.
The lawmakers’ letter underscored the concern that Apple’s strict App Store policies serve not only as a profit-enhancement strategy but also as a weapon against potential competitors. Critics argue that this approach stifles innovation and competition, threatening the healthy growth of emerging sectors such as blockchain and NFTs.
Apple’s response to these allegations will determine if the tech giant’s stance will evolve or continue to be a roadblock to blockchain and NFT app developers seeking to utilize its platform.
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E-bikes are swiftly evolving, transitioning from mere transportation mediums to sophisticated pieces of equipment. The latest innovations in the segment of electric bikes is no longer exclusive to only startup enterprises; popular bike component company, SRAM, is also breaking ground in cutting-edge electric bicycle technology.
Using Voice Assistants with Electric Bikes opens up a whole new series of future innovation opportunities
The US-based company has recently filed patents, inciting speculations about revolutionary control mechanisms for bicycles. Common cycling actions, such as gear-shifting traditionally managed through trigger shifters or switches, could soon be supplanted by hand gestures or voice commands, akin to what’s already familiar with virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.
The proposed design features a glove equipped with an array of sensors, transforming hand movements into e-bike commands. While shift-by-gesture technology might seem somewhat far-fetched, these special gloves could potentially control e-bike displays and toggle through various settings, enhancing ride customization and convenience.
Voice commands are another game-changer on the horizon, with applications planned for high-end e-bikes with multiple ride modes. One could potentially command their bike to switch modes or adjust suspension settings dynamically. Premium suspension specialist RockShox, a brand under SRAM’s umbrella, could benefit from this innovation. This aligns with SRAM’s recent acquisition of Amprio, which suggests an intent to broaden its footprint in the e-bike industry. All this is, of course, drawn from SRAM’s recent patents, so the information must be taken with a grain of salt.
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