Dennis Sellers

<p>It’s time for Apple to take Mac gaming more seriously. The global personal computer (PC) gaming hardware market has breached the $30 billion mark for the first time, according to J<a target="_blank" href="http://www.jonpeddie.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">on Peddie Research</a> gamers buy (or customize) high-end (ie, pricey) systems, so a tricked-out iMac might appeal to such a group.</p>

<p>The U.S. International Trade Commission will investigate a complaint by Nokia Technologies alleging that Apple has imported smart phones, tablet computers and other electronics that infringe upon its patents, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-nokia-corp-investigation-idUSKBN15828R" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters</a>.</p>

<p>Ford has become the latest car manufacturer to draw high-level employees away from Apple, with marketing executive <a target="_blank" href="https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2017/01/24/ford-hires-musa-tariq-as-vice-president--chief-brand-officer.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Musa Tariq </a>appointed as a vice president and chief brand officer of the major automobile producer. He’ll go to work there on Jan. 30. In this new role, Tariq is responsible for further building and differentiating the company’s Ford brand.</p>

<p>Apple has released three new developer betas: iOS 10.3, tvOS 10.2, and macOS 10.12.4. Developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center or the Software Update mechanism in the App Store. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gamevice.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gamevice </a>-- which makes the only Apple approved, Lightning-connected game controller for latency free gameplay - has released its next generation controller. The second generation of Gamevice controller has been upgraded with new buttons and thumb sticks.</p>

<p>Lawmakers in five states — Nebraska, Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, and Kansas — have introduced legislation that would enshrine the “Right to Repair” electronics, which means manufacturers such as Apple will have to sell replacement parts to independent repair shops and consumers and will also have to make their diagnostic and service manuals public, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/five-states-are-considering-bills-to-legalize-the-right-to-repair-electronics" rel="noopener noreferrer">MotherBoard.</a></p>

<p>India’s government is likely to reject Apple requests for cuts in taxes and import duties, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/centre-likely-to-reject-tim-cook-led-apple-incs-demands-report/520462/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Financial Express</a>. Officials from the Cupertino, California-based company are scheduled to meet senior officials from various ministries on Wednesday. </p>

<p>WaterField Designs' new Maverick leather laptop messenger bag will begin shipping Feb. 7; you <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/maverick-leather-laptop-messenger-bag" rel="noopener noreferrer">can pre-order now</a>. It’s made of premium full-grain leather, each cut from a single hide.</p>

<p>Samsung has told the Federal Circuit that Apple was flat wrong in arguing that a recent U.S. Supreme Court finding on design patent awards didn’t disturb its claim on a $400 million award, saying Monday that it took “chutzpah” for the iPhone maker to try to stop Samsung’s new trial, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.law360.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Law 360</a>, a site that covers legal news.</p>

<p>Future Apple Watch bands may do more than do good while keeping the smartwatch on your arm. Apple has filed for a patent (number 9,553,625) for a “modular functional band links for wearable devices.” The modular links could include multiple batteries, a small display, thermometer, a compass, a touch sensor, speakers, and more.</p>

<p>Nikolas Konstantakopoulos has introduced <a target="_blank" href="http://www.grannysaudio.com/geff" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geff 1.0</a>, a virtual guitar rack for macOS. It’s a standalone audio effects application to use with your guitar like you would a collection of stompboxes. </p>

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">Kanex’s <a href="http://www.kanex.com/gopowerplus">GoPower Plus</a> is a $49.95 portable power solution with a built-in micro USB with a Lightning adapter for use with both Apple and Android devices. I’ve never used it with an Android device (cause I don’t own one), but it does come in handy for use with my iPhone 7 Plus when I’m visiting my relatives for the weekend.</p>

<p>Yoky Matsuoka, an expert in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, has returned to Alphabet's Nest Labs after serving less than nine months on the job at Apple, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-23/alphabet-gets-matsuoka-back-as-nest-cto-after-her-stint-at-apple" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>. She’ll serve as chief technology officer at Nest Labs.</p>

<p>Apple has released iTunes 12.5.5 for macOS. According to the company, it’s a “minor update” with “performance enhancements.</p>

<p>Notable apps and app updates for Jan. 23, 2017</p>