Dennis Sellers

<p>Strategy Analytics latest<em> </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/connected-home/consumer-electronics/market-data/report-detail/global-wi-fi-speaker-forecast-2014-2022#.WUPTjOt97RYhttps://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/connected-home/consumer-electronics/market-data/report-detail/global-wi-fi-speaker-forecast-2014-2022" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Global Wi-Fi Speaker Forecast 2014-2022</em></a> reports that global shipments of Wi-Fi based wireless speakers grew by 62% in 2016 to 14 million units with Amazon accounting for 77% of the increase in volume demand from the previous year. The company estimates that Amazon shipped over five million Echo speakers in 2016 compared to just over four million from second placed Sonos.</p>

<p>Apple and Ikea have <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-ikea-arkit-app-2017-6" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced</a> an augmented reality app that allows users to try out how furniture will look in the home before buying.</p>

<p>President Donald Trump will meet with the chief executives of technology companies including Apple CEO Tim Cook today as the White House looks to the private sector for help in cutting government waste and improving services, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-tech-idUSKBN19A16Q" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters</a>.</p>

<p>PNC Bank, N.A., has announced new mobile payment option enabling Visa commercial cardholders to use a smartphone or mobile device to make corporate purchases via Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay. It’s one of the first U.S. banks to enable mobile wallet payments for commercial cards that may be used to make travel-related and in-store purchases, says Christopher Ward, executive vice president and head of Treasury Management product management.</p>

<p>After purchasing a new 27-inch iMac, I noticed that Messages wouldn’t sync between the all-in-one and my iPhone 7 Plus. Messages sent to the smartphone wasn’t reach the iMac, something I find very convenient when working at my home office. If you run into this problem, here’s how to fix it:</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 20170164684) that would tell you, among other things, when your shoes are starting to wear out. If the patent ever comes to fruition, I would image it would involve the company’s ongoing partnership with Nike since I doubt we’re going to be seeing a line of Apple Shoes.</p>

<p>WitsView, a division of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trendforce.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">TrendForce</a>, reports that increasing screen-to-body ratio and narrow bezel are two major trends in smartphone design for this year and are expected to drive changes in specifications of smartphone panels. The goal: spur lagging sales.</p>

<p>Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day. <a target="_blank" href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebates.com&esheet=51573382&newsitemid=20170613005511&lan=en-US&anchor=Ebates&index=1&md5=c7f9b693cbf51519f408ab9924a37f63" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ebates</a>, which specializes in cash back shopping and subsidiary of the global internet services company Rakuten, has announced the results of its 2017 Father’s Day survey. </p>

<p>Apple wants to make it even easier for your various devices to “talk” to each other, as well as accessories such as headsets. The company has been granted a patent (number 9,680,980) for an “electronic device accessory” that would facilitate this.</p>

<p>My Apple World Today compadre, Steve, is dealing with some family matters, so the usual AWT News Update (and podcast) won’t appear today. 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>Bob Seger's iconic music catalog makes its streaming debut today. The debut includes 12 platinum/multi-platinum albums as well as Seger's debut album, <em>Ramblin' Gamblin' Man.</em> </p>

<p>Apple is ramping up its efforts to create original TV programming. Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, two successful TV execs, are joining the company in newly created positions overseeing all aspects of video programming. </p>

<p>According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/16/homepod-survey-morning-consult/" rel="noopener noreferrer">new survey</a>, 19% of those who already own Apple products want a HomePod as their smart home speaker. The $349 system is just under seven inches tall and looks like a piece of furniture. </p>

<p>The new 10.5-inch iPad Pro is the current darling of the Apple tablet line-up and my <em>Apple World Today</em> compadre, Steve Sande, <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/6/14/105-inch-ipad-pro-beautiful-display-and-blazing-speed-make-it-a-winner" rel="noopener noreferrer">loves it</a>. However, I’ve gone with the revamped 12.9-inch version.</p>

<p>If you need a sleek stand for <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/6/14/new-imac-is-the-best-all-in-one-yet-and-the-best-mac-ever" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple’s revamped iMac</a>, Satechi’s $39.99 <a href="http://www.satechi.net/index.php/metallic-series/aluminum-monitor-stand-gold?___SID=U">Aluminum Monitor Stand</a> is a fine choice. This accessory is both functional and good-looking and is also great for using with laptops or monitors. </p>