Dennis Sellers

<p class="">First the reports said the “iPhone 12” would be delayed a couple of months from a September release to an October/November launch. Then <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/6/25/iphone-12-reportedly-back-on-track-for-a-september-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Webush analysts said </a>wasn’t the case and the rollout was still planned for September. Now <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Apple-races-to-push-ahead-with-5G-iPhone-mass-production">Nikkei Asian Review</a>.says it WILL be delayed.</p>

<p class="">In an email to Apple Card users about their statements, Apple again says "we understand that the COVID-19 situation poses unique challenges for everyone and some customers may have difficulty making their monthly payments.” Apple has been doing this since March.</p>

<p class="">A future version of Apple’s Maps app could not only give directions, but help you plan a trip. Apple has filed for a patent (number 20200202600) for a “map application with novel search, browsing and planning tools.”</p>

<p class="">I really like most of the games in Apple Arcade, Apple’s gaming streaming service that allows you to play games on — and across — Macs, iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Apple TVs. And I really like that you can pair a PlayStation DUALSHOCK 4 or Xbox Wireless Controller for gameplay. Here’s how to connect of the controllers to your Apple TV (the set-top box, of course, as opposed to the same-named app):</p>

<p class="">Lexar has announced the Lexar SL200 Portable SSD, a portable drive that’s drop-, shock-, vibration-resistant, and which features an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryption.</p>

<p class="">Apple has shifted the strategy of its Apple Arcade gaming service, canceling contracts for some games in development while seeking other titles that it believes will better retain subscribers, reports <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-30/apple-cancels-arcade-games-in-strategy-shift-to-keep-subscribers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>.</p>

<p class="">NeGear has announced a new member of the Orbi Mesh WiFi family: the <a href="https://www.netgear.com/orbi/rbk752.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 6 AX4200 Tri-band Mesh System</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple has signed an overall deal with<em> Defending Jacob</em> creator, executive producer and showrunner Mark Bomback, reports <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/06/defending-jacob-showrunner-mark-bomback-overall-deal-apple-1202973390/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deadline</a>. Under the multi-year pact, he’ll develop new TV projects exclusively for Apple TV+.</p>

<p class="">Thomas Reed from Malwarebytes Labs has published <a href="https://blog.malwarebytes.com/mac/2020/06/new-mac-ransomware-spreading-through-piracy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a blog </a>on a new Mac ransomware — the first in four years and only the fourth ever.</p>

<p class="">Apple has posted <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViiYJZqGC5w" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a trailer </a>for its upcoming documentary film, Boys State, which will come to Apple TV+ and select theaters on July 31.d</p>

<p class="">The world's most valuable brands have seen their total brand value increase by 5.9% despite the economic, social and personal impacts of COVID-19, according to the 2020 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking released today by <a href="http://www.wpp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WPP</a> and <a href="http://www.millwardbrown.com/brandz/top-global-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kantar</a>. Apple retains its runner-up spot.</p>

<p class="">The Apple Watch already has several features for cyclists, and more may be coming. The tech giant has been granted a patent (number 10,699,594) for “calculating an estimate of wind resistance experienced by a cyclist.</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,698,497) for a “vein scanning device for automatic gesture and finger recognition.” The device would be the Apple Watch, which would be able to automatically determining a user's gesture and/or finger positions based on one or more properties of the user's veins.</p>

<p class="">Michelle Lee has been promoted to director, domestic programming at Apple TV+, reports <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/06/apple-tv-executive-michelle-lee-elevated-director-domestic-programming-1202973056/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deadline</a>. She’ll continue to report to Matt Cherniss, Apple’s head of scripted development and current programming.</p>

<p class="">Belkin has announced the <a href="https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F4U110/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core</a>. It completes Belkin's family of Thunderbolt 3 docks, including the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro, Thunderbolt 3 Dock Plus, and the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini. It will be available next month a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$169.99.</p>