Dennis Sellers

<p class="">Apple has reversed course and expanded a program that provides parts and training to independent repair shops to cover Macs, reports <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-repair/apple-expands-its-independent-repair-shop-program-to-mac-computers-idUSKCN25D1F7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters</a>.</p>

<p class="">Beginning today, Apple TV+ subscribers in the U.S. can take advantage of access to a bundle of CBS All Access and SHOWTIME for US$9.99 per month after a seven-day free trial.</p>

<p class="">Apple has filed for another patent (number 10,739,820) for an “expandable ring device” that hints at an “Apple Ring” that could be used to control Macs, iPhones, iPads, and virtual reality systems.</p>

<p class="">You can use your HomePod to control HomeKit accessories—such as lights, thermostats, and window shades—that you’ve set up in the Home app on your iOS device. Then you can say things like “Hey Siri, set the thermostat to 72 degrees” or “Hey Siri, did I lock the front door?”</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted yet another patent (number 10,739,599) for “Apple Glasses,” its rumored augmented reality/mixed reality head-mounted display. This one is dubbed “predictive, foveated virtual reality system.”</p>

<p class="">On a regular basis, <em>Apple World Today </em>posts a list of notable new apps or app updates that have been released. They may not necessarily be new, but they're popular and deserve mention. Here are this week’s picks.</p>

<p class="">Since Steve and I can’t cover everything, we’ll frequently offer a wrap-up of news items you should check out. First up: <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/5/30/ted-lasso-to-debut-august-14-on-apple-tv?rq=Ted%20Lasso" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ted Lasso </a>and <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/6/30/apple-posts-trailer-for-its-upcoming-documentary-boys-state?rq=Boys%20State" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boys State</a> have both launched on the Apple TV+ streaming service.</p>

<p class="">Apple has won an auction for an untitled Africa-set thriller starring Idris Elba, reports <a href="https://deadline.com/2020/08/idris-elba-apple-script-auction-simon-kinberg-africa-thriller-travon-free-audrey-chon-1203013481/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deadline</a>. He’ll produce the film with Genre Films’ Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon producing.</p>

<p class=""><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/next-stop-nowhere/id1466708191"><span style="text-decoration:underline">Next Stop Nowhere</span></a> is this week's addition to <a href="https://www.apple.com/apple-arcade/"><span style="text-decoration:underline">Apple Arcade</span></a>, Apple’s US$4.99/month or $49.99/year game streaming service that has over 120 games,. It's available for the the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac.</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="">Apple’s <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MUF82AM/A/usb-c-digital-av-multiport-adapter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter</a> lets you connect your USB-C-enabled Mac or iPad Pro to an HDMI display, while also connecting a standard USB device and a USB-C charging cable. The adapter allows you to mirror your Mac display to your HDMI-enabled TV or display.</p>

<p class="">Need a cool, durable bag for carrying your non-tech goodies (and, well, even some of them)? WaterField Designs’ <a href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/outbound-canvas-tote" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Outbound Canvas Tote</a> is a great, though not inexpensive, option.</p>

<p class="">iOS 13 has the ability to create “Memoji" characters that can be created and customized right within Messages by choosing from a set of inclusive and diverse characteristics to form a unique personality.</p>

<p class="">Since Steve and I can’t cover everything, we’ll frequently offer a wrap-up of news items you should check out. First up: U.S. companies, including Apple, whose fortunes are linked to China are pushing back against the Trump administration’s plans to restrict business transactions involving the WeChat app from Tencent Holdings, saying it could undermine their competitiveness in the world’s second-biggest economy, the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/corporate-america-worries-wechat-ban-could-be-bad-for-business-11597311003" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reports</a>.</p>

<p class="">Earlier today Bloomberg reported that Apple is planning <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/8/13/rumor-apple-to-offer-apple-one-bundle-of-subscription-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">an “Apple One” bundle</a> of subscription services. Now <em>Bloomberg</em>’s Mark Gurman <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-13/apple-is-to-launch-first-discounted-video-content-bundle-for-tv?sref=MRDu5QV3"><span style="text-decoration:underline">says</span></a> that the tech giant plans to bundle access to CBS All Access and Showtime content at a discounted price for subscribers to Apple TV+ streaming service.</p>