Dennis Sellers

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/18/02/25/apple-to-launch-branded-over-ear-headphones-upgraded-airpods-this-year" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a> — KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple forecasts that Apple will launch its own branded high-end, over-ear headphone with an "all new" design to add to its growing audio accessory lineup. </p>

<p>Looking to comply with new laws, Apple this week will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-to-start-putting-sensitive-encryption-keys-in-china-1519497574" rel="noopener noreferrer">begin</a> hosting Chinese users' iCloud accounts in a local data center, taking a step that alarms some privacy specialists: storing the encryption keys for those accounts in China.</p>

<p>The High Court of Paris has <a target="_blank" href="https://france.attac.org/IMG/pdf/delibere.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer">denied Apple's request for an injunction</a> that would have blocked Attac from protesting at the company's retail stores across France, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>MacRumors</em></a>. The activist group has been protesting what it perceives as Apple's tax evasion in Europe.</p>

<p>FxFactory has released <a target="_blank" href="https://fxfactory.com/info/xeffectsrips/" rel="noopener noreferrer">XEffects Rips,</a> a new set of Final Cut Pro X plug-ins. Developed by partner Idustrial Revolution, they emulate the ripping of paper, separating the media into two halves with a photorealistic edge. </p>

<p>Japanese publication <em>Mac Otakara </em>says — as noted by <em><a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/18/02/22/apples-airpower-mat-inches-closer-to-release-again-said-to-arrive-in-march" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a></em> — that Apple’s AirPower will go on sale in March. A specific date wasn’t mentioned.</p>

<p>Future Apple iPhones, iPads, and Mac laptops may have sidewall displays. Apple has filed for a patent (number 20180052540) for devices with flexible displays that are bent to form displays on multiple surfaces of the devices. These mini-screens could offer additional functionality.</p>

<p>The automatic wake/sleep function works when you open or close the front flap, which is very convenient. Also convenient is the face that the SurfacePad is is Qi charging compatible so it doesn’t have to be removed for using a wireless charger, such as Apple’s upcoming <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2018/1/11/apple-files-for-a-patent-related-to-its-upcoming-airpower-charger?rq=AirPower" rel="noopener noreferrer">AirPower</a>.</p>

<p>Apple’s HomePod is relatively durable. However, since, at $350, it ain’t inexpensive, you should take steps to take care of it. Here are some support and safety tips.</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>Apple’s Worldwide Video Programming division has hired Carol Trussell as Head of Production, and she’ll start next month, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://deadline.com/2018/02/apple-carol-trussell-as-head-of-production-video-programming-unit-1202298971/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Deadline</em></a>.</p>

<p>Global sales of smartphones to end users totaled nearly 408 million units in the fourth quarter of 2017, a 5.6% decline over the fourth quarter of 2016, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gartner.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gartner, Inc</a>. This is the first year-on-year decline since the research group started tracking the global smartphone market in 2004. </p>

<p>A <a target="_blank" href="http://loupventures.com/annual-apple-pay-review-adoption-jumps-but-still-a-long-way-to-go/" rel="noopener noreferrer">new survey</a> from Gene Munster's Loup Ventures finds Apple Pay’s year-over-year growth has been “impressive” with active users more than doubling. Still, the research group believes that only 16% of iPhone users have enabled the digital payment service.</p>

<p>Apple may have big gaming plans for their set-top box. As noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2018/02/apple-files-major-apple-tv-logo-trademark-update-focused-on-all-things-related-to-gaming-including-a-video-game-console.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Patently Apple</em></a>, the tech giant has updated their Apple TV logo trademark by adding all things related to gaming.</p>

<p>Get ready to rock. Apple has been granted a patent (number 20180053491) for a “travel guitar” that would work with an iPad or iPhone.</p>

<p>Apple is planning water-resistant AirPods with “Hey, Siri” support for later this year, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-22/apple-is-said-to-plan-upgrades-to-popular-airpods-headphones" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Bloomberg</em></a>, quoting unnamed “people familiar with the matter.”</p>