Dennis Sellers

<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>

<p>Apple experts visited the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to unveil software that lets users write code without having to see the screen, reports the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.512tech.com/technology/with-assist-from-apple-visually-impaired-austin-students-learn-write-code-fly-drones/KbOaJnSwOoH2MHgTFNFAmL/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>American Statesman</em></a>.</p>

<p>Citing unnamed industry sources, the <em>Economic Daily News</em> (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-34545.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">via</a> <em>Mac Otakara</em>) reports a cheaper version of HomePod is due to arrive in the second half of the year.</p>

<p>Apple’s has released its 12th annual Supplier Responsibility Progress Report, which details progress the company is making to improve working conditions at supplier facilities, protect the planet and ensure responsible sourcing. </p>

<p>The $39 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.xoopar.com/retail/XBOY81001" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mini Xboy</a> is one of Xoopar’s Xboy line of Bluetooth speakers. Kids will find it entertaining; adults not so much.</p>

<p>David C. recently wrote me to recommend an app called KeyCue, saying: "KeyCue is a macOS app that reliably displays keyboard shortcuts for the currently used application by merely holding down the ⌘ key—one of the first apps I add to a new Mac.”</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>In a report to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/07/apples-face-id-equipped-ipad-pros-likely-ready-for-production-shipping-late-next-quarter" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a> — Rosenblatt Securities' analyst Jun Zhang says Face ID iPad Pros will ship late in the June quarter. </p>

<p>Ireland has chosen the Bank of New York Mellon to administer an escrow fund of up to 15 billion euros (about $18.6 billion) in disputed taxes that the European Commission (EU) ordered the government to collect from Apple, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-apple-taxavoidance/ireland-chooses-bny-mellon-to-manage-apple-escrow-fund-idUSKCN1GJ190?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Reuters</em></a>.</p>