Dennis Sellers

<p>DRmare Studio has introduced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.drmare.com/drm-audio-converter-for-mac/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Audio Converter 1.0</a> for macOS and Windows. The app lets you remove DRM from any protected audio, including Apple Music, iTunes M4P songs and Audible audiobooks.</p>

<p>Swift, Apple’s programming language, hasn’t celebrated its fourth birthday yet, but <a target="_blank" href="http://redmonk.com/sogrady/2018/03/07/language-rankings-1-18/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a new report </a>from RedMonk, a developer-focused industry analyst firm, finds that it's already as popular as its predecessor, the Objective-C language.</p>

<p>Another day, another lawsuit. Non-practicing entity Portal Communications has sued Apple for alleged infringement of three patents related to natural language voice and audio query systems, such as those of the tech giant's Siri, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/09/apple-slapped-with-patent-suit-over-siris-natural-language-abilities)" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em>.</a></p>

<p>Former President Barack Obama is in advanced negotiations with Netflix to produce a series of high-profile shows — unless he goes with Apple, reports <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/08/us/politics/obama-netflix-shows.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">The New York Time</a>s</em>.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted two patents for “wirelessly charged devices” that hints at upcoming uses for its AirPower charger. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://xwavesoft.com/cloud-outliner-for-iphone-ipad-mac-os-x.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cloud Outliner</a> is an app that allows anyone to easily create and share outlines between their Mac devices, iOS devices, and Evernote account.</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>The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, takes a road trip. 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>Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) has released research on mobile phone operating system consumer behavior in the U.S., including Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.</p>

<p>Apple and Disney ranked as the first and second most intimate brands for millennials in <a target="_blank" href="http://mblm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MBLM’s</a> Brand Intimacy 2018 Report. Comparatively, in MBLM’s 2017 report, Disney placed first, followed by Amazon and Netflix.</p>

<p>Malwarebytes, a malware prevention and remediation solution, has announced the extension of its  endpoint protection to support on Macs. Businesses with Mac computers can benefit from Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection powered by the Malwarebytes Cloud Platform, according to CEO Marcin Kleczynski. </p>

<p>For International Women's Day, <em>CNET </em>has named <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnet.com/news/international-womens-day-cnet-inspiring-women-2018/" rel="noopener noreferrer">a list of 43 women </a>“who have moved us with their work, their outreach and their voices.” Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice present of Retail, is on the list.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 2018006751) for a “wide touchpad on a  portable computer” that hints at a much bigger touchpad on Mac laptops. Perhaps it could even lead to the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/12/27/i-want-a-magic-touchpad-from-apple-for-my-mac?rq=Touchpad" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Magic TouchPad” </a>that I’d like to see.</p>

<p>Apple has updated its Workflow app for iOS to version 1.7.8.</p>

<p>California is the latest state to prepare "right to repair" legislation that would require companies like Apple to provide consumers and third-party repair outlets access to repair information, diagnostic equipment and parts, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://a13.asmdc.org/press-releases/20180307-eggman-introduces-legislation-create-right-repair-electronics" rel="noopener noreferrer">an announcement</a> from Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton). </p>