Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 2018006751) for a “wide touchpad on a  portable computer” that hints at a much bigger touchpad on Mac laptops. Perhaps it could even lead to the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/12/27/i-want-a-magic-touchpad-from-apple-for-my-mac?rq=Touchpad" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Magic TouchPad” </a>that I’d like to see.</p>

<p>Apple has updated its Workflow app for iOS to version 1.7.8.</p>

<p>California is the latest state to prepare "right to repair" legislation that would require companies like Apple to provide consumers and third-party repair outlets access to repair information, diagnostic equipment and parts, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://a13.asmdc.org/press-releases/20180307-eggman-introduces-legislation-create-right-repair-electronics" rel="noopener noreferrer">an announcement</a> from Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton). </p>

<p>Apple experts visited the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to unveil software that lets users write code without having to see the screen, reports the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.512tech.com/technology/with-assist-from-apple-visually-impaired-austin-students-learn-write-code-fly-drones/KbOaJnSwOoH2MHgTFNFAmL/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>American Statesman</em></a>.</p>

<p>Citing unnamed industry sources, the <em>Economic Daily News</em> (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-34545.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">via</a> <em>Mac Otakara</em>) reports a cheaper version of HomePod is due to arrive in the second half of the year.</p>

<p>Apple’s has released its 12th annual Supplier Responsibility Progress Report, which details progress the company is making to improve working conditions at supplier facilities, protect the planet and ensure responsible sourcing. </p>

<p>The $39 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.xoopar.com/retail/XBOY81001" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mini Xboy</a> is one of Xoopar’s Xboy line of Bluetooth speakers. Kids will find it entertaining; adults not so much.</p>

<p>David C. recently wrote me to recommend an app called KeyCue, saying: "KeyCue is a macOS app that reliably displays keyboard shortcuts for the currently used application by merely holding down the ⌘ key—one of the first apps I add to a new Mac.”</p>

<p>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 today's picks.</p>

<p>The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, takes a road trip. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, <em>Apple Daily Report</em>.</p>

<p>In a report to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/07/apples-face-id-equipped-ipad-pros-likely-ready-for-production-shipping-late-next-quarter" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a> — Rosenblatt Securities' analyst Jun Zhang says Face ID iPad Pros will ship late in the June quarter. </p>

<p>Ireland has chosen the Bank of New York Mellon to administer an escrow fund of up to 15 billion euros (about $18.6 billion) in disputed taxes that the European Commission (EU) ordered the government to collect from Apple, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-apple-taxavoidance/ireland-chooses-bny-mellon-to-manage-apple-escrow-fund-idUSKCN1GJ190?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Reuters</em></a>.</p>

<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://english.etnews.com/20180307200001" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>ET News</em></a>, Apple will ditch the “notch design” in 2019 iPhones. The design provides a concave spot at the top of the smartphone screen that’s home to the front-facing camera, separate infra-red camera for Face ID, dot projector, flood illuminator, speaker, microphone, ambient light sensor and proximity sensor.</p>

<p>On Feb. 16, I published an updated review for Default Folder X (<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ybm5au72">https://tinyurl.com/ybm5au72</a>), one of my favorite macOS utilities ever and one I’ve used for years. Recently, I interviewed St. Clair Software’s Jon Gotow, the man behind the app.</p>

<p>Sonnet Technologies’ 1TB version of its Fusion Thunderbolt 3 PCIe Flash Drive makes a great product even better. It’s a new model of the pocket-sized solid-state drive (SSD) storage device that packs a Thunderbolt 3 interface.</p>