Dennis Sellers

<p class="">Apple CEO Tim Cook <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1291746412779069440%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/08/07/apple-donating-to-beirut-relief-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">has tweeted </a>that the tech giant is donating to relief organizations that are helping with immediate needs and long-term support in Beirut following a devastating explosion.</p>

<p class="">In a note to clients — as noted by <a href="http://www.macrumors.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors </a>— analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that one of Apple’s camera lens suppliers for the “non-Pro” iPhone 12 is having quality issues. However, other suppliers are expected to be step up to the plate, so that there’ll be no delay in the product launch schedule (probably late October).</p>

<p class="">iOS 13 QuickType keyboard includes QuickPath, so you can swipe your finger from one letter to the next to enter a word without removing your finger from the keyboard.</p>

<p class="">Apple has released the first public beta of macOS Big Sur and the fourth public betas of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14. The public betas are available on <a href="https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple's Beta Software Program website</a>. Just remember that this is beta software, so proceed with care.</p>

<p class="">I doubt that this will happen, but perhaps it’s time for Apple to revisit its abandoned plans for an Apple-branded HDTV.</p>

<p class="">Nimble — a company that makes “ethically-made personal tech” — has announced <a href="https://www.gonimble.com/products/iphone-clear-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Disc Case</a>, which it says is the first protective case for iPhone made from recycled compacts discs.</p>

<p class="">Roku remained the leader among connected TV devices, capturing half of the total viewing time for the category in the second quarter of 2020. Amazon Fire TV captured 29%, Apple TV 8.7%, Chromecast 7.3%, Android TV 3.6% and Humax 1.3%, according to <a href="http://www.convica.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conviva</a>, which specializes in global streaming media intelligence.</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: OWC has rolled out the new <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2878167-1&h=1147586778&u=https%3A%2F%2Feshop.macsales.com%2Fshop%2Frover-pro&a=OWC+Rover+Pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OWC Rover Pro</a> – a tool less, patent-pending “made in the USA” design that allows users to add wheels to the 2019 Mac Pro in under two minutes.</p>

<p class="">Apple has filed for another patent (number 20200252593) involving its rumored “Apple Glasses,” an augmented reality/mixed reality head-mounted display (HMD). One of dozens of patent applications and granted patents, this one is dubbed “low latency chroma keying embedded in a head-mounted display for mixed reality.”</p>

<p class="">Apple has filed for a patent (number 202000249725) for “peripheral housing for a computing device.” It involves a multi-functional iPad accessory that can serve as a stand, a handle, and an Apple Pencil holder, as well as providing a lot for inserting an external keyboard.</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://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2876201-1&h=2651467405&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.retailmenot.com%2F&a=RetailMeNot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RetailMeNot</a>, a Vericast business and savings destination, announces its picks on the five to buy in August. Macs and iPads are on the list.</p>

<p class="">Apple has given a straight-to-series order to a drama that hails from Adam Perlman as well as Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Team Downey production company, reports <a href="https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/robert-downey-jr-apple-series-1234726415/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Variety</a>.</p>

<p class="">Lady Gaga is launching a radio show devoted to the dance music genre on Apple Music. <a href="http://apple.co/_GagaRadio" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gaga Radio</a> premieres Friday, August 7 at 11 am (Pacific), with new episodes every Friday.</p>

<p class="">Despite intense economic hardship related to COVID-19 quarantine orders, consumer and commercial customers went on a tablet buying spree to support work/learn-from-home initiatives. And Apple’s iPad was the clear winner with quarterly growth of 34% year-over-year.</p>

<p class="">Consumer spending on mobile apps and app installs grew significantly during the first half of 2020, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data from Sensor Tower.</p>