Dennis Sellers

<p>You can set up your HomePod, Apple TV 4K, Apple TV (4th generation), or iPad as a home hub to automate and remotely control your HomeKit accessories from your iOS device. </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 iOS 11.3. However, it’s only for the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2018/3/27/apple-debuts-new-97-inch-ipad-with-apple-pencil-support" rel="noopener noreferrer">new 9.7-inch iPad</a> announced this week. Once you get your hands on one, you can download iOS 11.3 over-the-air using the Settings app. To access the update, go to Settings --> General --> Software Update. </p>

<p>Apple has announced a new collaboration with Chicago Public Schools and Northwestern University to offer free professional learning to teachers across Chicago, designed to give educators the tools they need to bring coding and computer science into the classroom.</p>

<p>Dozens of iPhone owners are taking Apple to court over the “Batterygate” brouhaha — the tech giant’s disclosure that it slowed down old phones to preserve battery life, in what could become one of the biggest legal challenges to the smartphone since its 2007 debut.</p>

<p>As noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/27/apple-activates-transit-directions-in-virginia-expands-in-missouri" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a>, Apple Maps now provides transit directions — complete with bus and rail routes — for Virginia The transit directions should work in both the iOS and macOS versions of Maps.</p>

<p>Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was named the top global technology visionary, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai second, followed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg third, and Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma fourth in <a target="_blank" href="https://info.kpmg.us/techinnovation.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">KPMG's 2018 Global Technology Innovation report</a>. </p>

<p>Apple has filed for a patent (number 9,928,817) for user interfaces for virtual instruments, which hints at some user interface tweaks in upcoming versions of its GarageBand and Logic Pro X software.</p>

<p>Booq’s $80 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.booqbags.com/search?type=product&q=DayPack" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daypack</a> is designed to endure life’s daily adventures. It’s available in four colors – seafoam, black-red, clay-canvas (my favorite), and navy-red – and each feature their own unique interior lining fabric. Its slim profile makes it perfect for comfortable commuting and working on-the-go.</p>

<p>Parents in today’s technology-filled world want their children to have all the resources our digital era can offer, but wonder if giving them a smartphone such as an iPhone too early could harm their development. <a target="_blank" href="http://bit.ly/1DCKNuE" rel="noopener noreferrer">TeenSafe</a>, which makes mobile parental monitoring solutions, has guidelines parents can follow to ensure their children get valued screen time to keep them savvy without hurting their development.</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>Logitech has announced the <a target="_blank" href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.logitech.com%2Fcrayon&esheet=51779657&newsitemid=20180327006104&lan=en-US&anchor=Logitech+Crayon&index=1&md5=07e7a282949aa2ea4de28562d8a230d9" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logitech Crayon</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.logitech.com%2Fruggedcombo2&esheet=51779657&newsitemid=20180327006104&lan=en-US&anchor=Logitech+Rugged+Combo+2&index=2&md5=ce8f678c5aaff5f99164110326c98d42" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logitech Rugged Combo 2</a> for the new 9.7-inch iPad. Specifically designed for the classroom, it takes advantage of new technology in the Apple tablet and provides a solution for education so students can do even more including handwrite notes, illustrate projects and draw diagrams. </p>

<p>Apple has updated Clips and GarageBand and for iOS. They’re free updates at the Apple App Store. </p>

<p>If you’ve been lusting after the space gray accessories that come with the iMac Pro, but (like me) don’t have the moolah for the high-end iMac, you’re in luck: Apple is selling them separately.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <em><a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2018/03/27/new-apple-watch-larger-screen-series-4/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a> --</em> KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the 2018 Apple Watch will have a 15% bigger screen in a “more trendy” form factor. He doesn’t say exactly how tis will be accomplished or if the updated smartwatch will pack a bigger chassis.</p>