Dennis Sellers

<p>Basic band shipments, mostly fitness bands, fell 7% year on year to just over nine million in the first quarter of 2017 - the category’s first ever decline, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canalys.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canalys</a>. However, it was good news for Apple.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/apple-stock-price-update-project-titan-2017-5-1001999979" rel="noopener noreferrer">Markets Insider</a> — UBS' equity research team shared what they learned from speaking with tech analyst, Horace Dediu. The biggest takeaway: "transportation is Apple's future.” This refers to “Project Titan,” the tech giant’s rumored “Apple Car” division.</p>

<p>Apple wants to incorporate Siri — its “personal digital assistant” even more into its Messages app on macOS and iOS devices. The company has filed for a patent (number 20170132019) for an “intelligent automated assistant in a messaging environment.”</p>

<p>Apple may be planning a new version of the late, lamented MacSafe adapter. The company has filed for a patent (number 20170133787) for “flexible and breakaway mechanisms for connections.” And it might even be illuminated.</p>

<p>Apple is looking to beef up its services backend with major expansions at existing data centers in Arizona and Nevada, including a $1 billion investment that doubles its commitment to a Reno Technology Park facility, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/05/10/apple-plans-major-expansions-at-arizona-and-nevada-data-centers" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a>.</p>

<p>Sonnet Technologies has announced the launch of the Echo Express SE III, the newest member of the company's Echo Express family of Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express (PCIe) expansion systems. </p>

<p>To be honest, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.elagostore.com/stand/est-m4-bk.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elago’s M4 Stand</a> for the iPhone has little practical value, unlike the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/5/10/the-w3-stand-for-apple-watch-practical-fun-and-affordable" rel="noopener noreferrer">W3 Stand for Apple Watch</a>, but it is kinda cool. You’ll have to decide if you want to spend $34.99 for a “kinda cool” case for the iPhone 7, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 (alas, there are no Plus sizes available).</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>Developers, take note: Microsoft has released <a target="_blank" href="http://www.visualstudio.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visual Studio 2017 for Mac</a>. It’s a new member of the Visual Studio family, enabling developers on macOS (10.11 and higher) to build apps for mobile, web, and cloud with Xamarin and .NET Core, as well as games with Unity.</p>

<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://scientiamobile.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">ScientiaMobile,</a> the upcoming “iPhone 8” will have to displace the iPhone 6s to become the world’s most used smartphone. The research group’s “Mobile Overview Report (MOVR)” notes that the iPhone 6S was the most used smartphone model in the world despite the iPhone 7 launch in September 2016.</p>

<p>According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, the iPhone 7 was the world’s best-selling smartphone model in the first quarter of 2017. The research group estimates that Apple shipped 21.5 million units and captured 6% marketshare worldwide in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017.</p>

<p>Urban Armor Gear appears to be preparing a case for the rumored 10.5-inch iPad Pro. A stock system at an Apple Authorized Reseller shared with <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2017/05/10/urban-armor-gear-prepping-case-for-10-5-inch-ipad-pro-with-june-availability/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a> shows a UAG Metropolis Folio Case “for iPad 10.5-inch” in three color combinations, with availability listed as June 2017. So we may see a new model iPad Pro introduced at next month’s Apple Worldwide Developer Conference.</p>

<p>Aspyr <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macgamerhq.com/news/mafia-3-mac-release/" rel="noopener noreferrer">has confirmed</a> the final release date for Mafia 3’s Mac version. It’s coming tomorrow, May 11, and it will support Apple’s Metal API (application programming interface).</p>

<p>In an update to its free Apple Support app for iOS Apple activated a new feature that lets users schedule repair appointments at participating Apple Authorized Service Providers. You can now schedule device repairs at Authorized Service Providers, not just Apple store Genius Bars. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.macstadium.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacStadium</a>, a Mac hosting authority and only provider of Mac Pro private cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (“IaaS”), has received a growth equity investment led by Summit Partners, with participation from Noro-Moseley Partners. </p>