Dennis Sellers

<p class="">Germany changed course this weekend over which type of smartphone technology it wanted to use to trace coronavirus infections, backing an approach supported by Apple and Google along with a growing number of other European countries, according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-europe-tech/germany-flips-on-smartphone-contact-tracing-backs-apple-and-google-idUSKCN22807J" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters</a>. However, Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) will utilize its own centralized contract-tracing system, rather than deploying the exposure notification technology being developed by the tech giants.</p>

<p class="">Apple will launch its iPhone 12 lineup this year after all despite some rumors to the contrary, but they'll likely be delayed a month since mass production is running behind due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, according to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-delays-mass-production-of-2020-flagship-iphones-11587984138" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Wall Street Journal</a>.</p>

<p class=""><a href="http://www.phobio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Phobio</a>, a provider of omnichannel trade-in software designed to simplifiy device upgrades, today announced that it has donated 151 iPads to <a href="https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stony Brook University Hospital</a>.</p>

<p class="">I’ve been working with <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MXQT2LL/A/magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-11%E2%80%91inch-2nd-generation-us-english">Apple's Magic Keyboard</a> for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for several days. My consensus: if you wish to use the Apple tablet as a laptop replacement/alternative, it's fantastic. If you use the iPad Pro as mainly….well….a tablet, save yourself some serious cash.</p>

<p class="">This could be good news for Apple TV+, Apple's $4.99/month video streaming service: while the majority of American households currently subscribe to cable, the latest research from <a href="http://www.thetradedesks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Trade Desk</a>, an ad tech company, indicates that with almost all Americans working from home, the shift away from traditional linear and cable TV may be accelerating.</p>

<p class="">Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,627248) for a “cognitive load routing metic for vehicle guidance.” The goal: to help you arrive at your destination quickly or, if you prefer, by a more scenic route.</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="">“Defending Jacob,” a limited drama series, debuts today on Apple TV+, Apple’s US$4.99/month streaming service.</p>

<p class="">The largest Swiss Bank, UBS, says Apple Pay is “coming soon." As noted by <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2020/04/24/ubs-apple-pay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>, UBS announced the news <a href="https://twitter.com/UBSschweiz/status/1253594531750182917" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">in a tweet</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/217022185489319/posts/817811325410399/?d=n&substory_index=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook post</a>, neither of which gives any further information.</p>

<p class="">The WLAN Association — whose purpose is to “define industry best practices and quality assurance in the delivery of Wi-Fi “ — has <a href="https://twitter.com/WLANAssociation/status/1253385230276341763" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to expand WiFi into the 6GHz band.</p>

<p class="">Apple tells <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-24/apple-finds-no-evidence-hackers-exploited-iphone-ipad-mail-flaw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a> that reports that hackers exploited an email flaw on the iPhone and iPad isn’t true.</p>

<p class="">Apple has send an email to Apple Pay users telling how they can donate instantly to needy causes. The tech giant says that, with the payment service, there's no forms to fill out or accounts to create.</p>

<p class="">Most of the young folks I know don't carry much — or any— cash. Twelve South's new US$49.99 <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/surfacepad-for-iphone?variant=31533373456441" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SurfacePad</a> for the iPhone 11 line-up is great for such folks who don't need a bulky, super protective case.</p>

<p class="">This doesn't affect Apple Arcade, Apple’s game streaming service, as well as the rumored <a href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2020/4/20/the-sellers-research-group-looks-at-the-flurry-of-new-apple-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple game controller</a>, but it could have a residual effect: according to <a href="https://www.npd.com/">The NPD Group</a>, March tracked spending across video game hardware, software, accessories and game cards totaled US$1.6 billion, gaining 35%when compared to the same time period last year.</p>

<p class="">As noted by<a href="https://9to5mac.com/2020/04/23/tim-cook-joins-bbc-pandemic-relief-event-promises-signficant-apple-donation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 9to5Mac</a>, Apple CEO Tim Cook appeared on the BBC and shared that Apple is making a big contribution to the network’s entertainment relief event <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bignightin/">“The Big Night In.”</a></p>