Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has released finished (that is, non-beta) versions of OS X 10.11.6, iOS 9.3.3, tvOS 9.2.2, and watchOS 2.2.2. All are basically maintenance releases with bug fixes and performance tweaks.</p>

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">U.S. Army Special Operations Command is dumping its Android tactical smartphone for an iPhone model, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dodbuzz.com/2016/07/15/army-sof-to-trade-in-its-androids-for-iphones/" rel="noopener noreferrer">DoD Buzz</a>.</p>

<p>The Japanese firm, SoftBank, plans to scoop up British chip designer and major Apple partner ARM Holding, for $31.4 billion, reports the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36822806" rel="noopener noreferrer">BBC News.</a> ARM employs more than 3,000 people and designs microchips used in most smartphones (including the iPhone).</p>

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">Once Apple announced <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/6/24/if-apple-is-smart-it-has-a-thunderbolt-display-replacement-in-the-works?rq=Thunderbolt%20Display" rel="noopener noreferrer">it was no longer making its Thunderbolt Display</a>, NEC contacted <em>AppleWorld.Today</em> to let us know that — hint, hint — its <a target="_blank" href="http://www.necdisplay.com/p/desktop-monitors/ea275uhd-bk" rel="noopener noreferrer">MultSync+EA275UHD</a> is a fine replacement. They sent us a test unit, so here are my impressions.</p>

<p>In these days of high-speed Internet connections and low-capacity SSD drives in laptops, cloud storage services are becoming more and more popular. Like me, you may have several different cloud accounts. This is where Eltima’s $29 <a target="_blank" href="http://mac.eltima.com/mount-cloud-drive.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">CloudMounter app</a> for Mac OS X (Yosemite or El Capitan) comes in handy.</p>

<p>Apple News steps out of the shadows and allowing publishers track their success without having to pay up for an Apple Developer account and agree to iAds, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slightfuture.com/technote/applenews-user-agent" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slight Future</a>.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gsk.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">GlaxoSmithKline</a> -- a science-led, global health care company -- has started a rheumatoid arthritis study using Apple’s ResearchKit, marking the first time a drugmaker has used the health system for the iPhone to conduct clinical research, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-15/apple-scores-glaxosmithkline-study-in-key-test-of-health-apps" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg.</a></p>

<p>Apple has submitted a preliminary proposal to the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board to simplify the way music-streaming companies pay songwriters and publishers -- in a way that could make it more expensive for rivals like Spotify and YouTube to keep offering free streaming, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/7439046/apple-proposes-simplified-statutory-licensing-scheme" rel="noopener noreferrer">Billboard</a>.</p>

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">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>Nest Labs, Inc. has introduced the Nest Cam Outdoor, additional features to the Nest Aware service, and a brand new way to interact with the entire range of Nest products through the Nest app.</p>

<p>StarTech has released its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Laptop-docking-stations/usb-c-laptop-adapter~DKT30CHV" rel="noopener noreferrer">USB-C Multifunction Adapter,</a> which is designed to enable mobile professionals to add crucial functionality to port-limited laptops such as Apple’s 12-inch MacBook. </p>

<p>WaterField Designs has devoted the $329 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/bolt-backpack" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bolt Laptop Backpack</a>, which is designed to accommodate both work and after-work gear in a stylish, professional bag that befits the office, airport, or gym, according to company owner Gary Waterfield.</p>

<p>Maclocks has announced the Ledge <a href="https://www.maclocks.com/ledge-macbook-lock-slot-adapter-macbook-air-and-macbook-pro-lock-slot.html">MacBook Lock</a>, which it says is the world's smallest security solution for the Apple laptop. With a single replacement screw, the MacBook is fully secured while completely protected from daily wear and tear, the company says.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.savant.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Savant</a> has announced the availability of a new line of direct to consumer products, starting with the entertainment-focused Savant Remote. The remote combines the features of a universal remote with the power of home automation.</p>

<p>MG has launched its $285 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mm-goi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Novi Portable Charging Stati</a>on. The new device utilizes LunaPulse technology to charge up to eight portable battery pods in 2.5 hours. </p>