Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has issued a statement to <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/23/apple-says-recent-wikileaks-cia-docs-detail-old-fixed-iphone-and-mac-exploits/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TechCrunch</a> in response to Thursday's WikiLeaks release of CIA-gathered iPhone and Mac exploits, saying a preliminary assessment reveals the vulnerabilities to be years old and long since patched. </p>

<p>Apple has applied for a patent (number 20170082649) dubbed “detecting controllers in vehicles using wearable devices” that would merge Apple Watch and CarPlay functionality. Compatible with iPhone 5 and later models, CarPlay provides a simplified way to use your iPhone interface on a car’s touch screen, giving users access to Siri voice controls, as well as Apple Maps, Apple Music, Phone, Messages, and a variety of third party apps.</p>

<p>Apple has acquired <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/workflow-powerful-automation/id915249334?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Workflow</a>, an iOS tool that lets you hook together apps and functions within apps in strings of commands to automate tasks. Could the utility come to macOS?</p>

<p>On March 23 <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/3/23/patent-report-apple-accessory-device-could-turn-an-iphone-or-ipad-into-a-laptop" rel="noopener noreferrer">I reported</a> that Apple had filed for a patent (number 2017003048) dubbed “electronic accessory device” that would turn an iPhone or iPad into a full-fledged laptop. However, I like an idea I proposed over a year ago better: an “Apple Pod” with an Apple Display/Dock.</p>

<p>Apple’s online store is offline until 8:01 a.m. (Pacific), when the(PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/3/21/apple-debuts-iphone-7-and-iphone-7-plus-productred-special-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced earlier</a> this week goes on sale in more than 40 countries and regions around the world. </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 folks behind <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dashlane.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dashlane</a>, a free tool for managing your passwords, support for the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. The upgrade provides one-touch log-in for logging into the app or creating a new account.</p>

<p>Apple ranks highest in overall satisfaction in the smartphone full-service carrier segment with a score of 840 (out of 1000), followed closely by Samsung (839). Apple ranks highest overall in performance and features dimensions, according to the <em>J.D. Power 2017 Full-Service Smartphone Satisfaction Study, </em>which was released today. Customer satisfaction is much higher among smartphone owners who use their device to operate other connected home services such as smart thermostats and smart appliances, notes the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jdpower.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">research group</a>.</p>

<p>Netflix and Spotify deliver the best customer experience in the streaming media industry, according to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.TemkinRatings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>2017 Temkin Experience Ratings</em></a>, an annual customer experience ranking of companies based on a survey of 10,000 U.S. consumers. iTunes comes in seventh place, and Apple Music in 10th.</p>

<p>I could go for this: Apple has filed for a patent (number 2017003048) dubbed “electronic accessory device” that would turn an iPhone or iPad into a full-fledged laptop. It involves systems and methods for “providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile.”</p>

<p>Apple will reportedly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Apple+%28AAPL%29+Set+to+Start+Assembling+iPhones+in+India+Over+Next+Two+Months+-+DJ/12698906.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">start assembling iPhones in India</a> over next two months. The tech giant is said to be in talks with the Indian government for import-tax exemptions on components.</p>

<p>Yesterday, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/hackers-we-will-remotely-wipe-iphones-unless-apple-pays-ransom" rel="noopener noreferrer">MotherBoard</a></em> reported that a hacker or group of hackers is trying to extort Apple over alleged access to a large cache of iCloud and other Apple email accounts. However, in a statement to <a target="_blank" href="http://fortune.com/2017/03/22/apple-iphone-hacker-ransom/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Fortune</em></a>, Apple said that there have not been any breaches to its systems and that its user data is safe.</p>

<p>The annual <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bcgperspectives.com/content/interactive/innovation_growth_most_innovative_companies_interactive_guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer">50 Most Innovative Companies survey report</a> by the management consulting firm BCG (Boston Consulting Group) puts Apple in the top position for 2016. The Cupertino, California-based company has topped the list since 2014.</p>

<p>Apple is acquiring <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/workflow-powerful-automation/id915249334?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4" rel="noopener noreferrer">Workflow</a>, an iOS tool that lets you hook together apps and functions within apps in strings of commands to automate tasks, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/22/apple-has-acquired-workflow-a-powerful-automation-tool-for-ipad-and-iphone/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TechCrunch.</a> Terms of the deal haven't been announced but the team behind the app — Ari Weinstein, Conrad Kramer, Ayaka Nonaka and Nick Frey — are coming to work for the Cupertino, California-based company.</p>

<p>Digital Anarchy's $149 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.digitalanarchy.com/Flicker/tutes.html#t12" rel="noopener noreferrer">Flicker Free plug-in</a> for Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Apple's Final Cut Pro X gives video editors and visual effects artists a useful tool that fixes a wide range of footage affected with flicker or strobing. </p>