Dennis Sellers

<p>The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) is considering an investigation of alleged iPhone 6s shutting down randomly in case they represent a battery safety issue, according to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20161214000283" rel="noopener noreferrer">Korea Herald. </a></p>

<p>Apple has“quietly poached” at least a half dozen engineers from Here, a Berlin-based automotive mapping company for a Berlin-based Maps team, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-stealing-berlin-mapping-engineers-from-here-germany-automotive-company-2016-12?r=UK&IR=T" rel="noopener noreferrer">Business Insider</a>.</p>

<p>Apple’s standalone support app, which debuted outside the U.S. last month, has now arrived in the U.S., notes <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/13/apples-standalone-support-app-hits-the-u-s-app-store/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Verge</a>. It’s free and available at the <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple App Store</a> for iPhones and iPads running iOS 9 or later. </p>

<p>With Apple reportedly <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/11/21/apple-reportedly-discontinuing-its-airport-express-the-airport-extreme-airport-time-capsule-line?rq=wireless%20routers" rel="noopener noreferrer">discontinuing its line of wireless routers</a>, here at <em>Apple World Today,</em> we’ve been testing potential replacements. One that stands out is the <a href="https://eero.com">eero home Wi-Fi system</a>, which is handsome, easy-to-use, pricey — and with some (self-imposed) limitations. In other words, it’s a product Apple could’ve/should’ve made.</p>

<p>As I've mentioned before, my goal of using my iMac as my main computer and an iPad with a keyboard as a secondary system for writing articles, checking email, etc., just never panned out. I simply missed having an Apple laptop.</p>

<p>A California court has ruled in favor of Apple Store workers who accused the Cupertino, California-based company of violating their employment rights, reports The Register. A jury has awarded store staff $2 million after Apple was found to have illegally denied them meal and rest breaks, and was late giving departing workers their final paychecks.</p>

<p>Well, this is embarrassing. Yesterday Apple <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/12/12/apple-rolls-out-watchos-311-with-a-variety-of-bug-fixes" rel="noopener noreferrer">released watchOS 3.1.1</a>  to squish various bugs. Now, as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors</a>, the update has been pulled because it’s bricking some Apple Watches.</p>

<p>Apple has revved iTunes to version 12.5.4. The upgrade adds support for the new "TV" app on iOS and tvOS. It also improves Touch Bar capabilities with the new MacBook Pro.</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 has released macOS Sierra 10.12.2. It’s available free as a download at the Mac App Store. According to Apple, the update:</p>

<p>Apple CEO Tim Cook's $10 million in compensation “isn't chump change, but it's a bargain when you compare that to the company's massive average economic profit over the last three years,” notes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2016-best-value-ceos/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>, which has compiled a list of “The World’s Best-Value CEOs.” Cook places 11th on the list.</p>

<p>Apple’s AirPods are going to make it in time for Christmas, but not so the BeatsX wireless earphones. </p>

<p>After many delays, Apple’s AirPods <a target="_blank" href="http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEF2AM/A/airpods" rel="noopener noreferrer">are now available to order</a> and are due to arrive on Wednesday, Dec. 21. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ubtrobot.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">UBTECH Robotics</a> has rolled out the TankBot, the latest addition to its line of STEM-friendly Jimu Robots for kids and teens. It’s the first Jimu Robot to run on tank treads and features an infrared sensor that allows it to follow commands to detect, pick up or maneuver around objects. </p>

<p>Apple has been granted a second patent (number 9,520062; the first one was 20160019787) for a “method for locating a vehicle.” The invention allows you to located your car in a parking garage or other parking structure via your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.</p>