Dennis Sellers

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Samsung Electronics America has unveiled its new consumer solid state drive (SSD) line-up — the Samsung 860 QVO SSD — featuring up to 4TB of storage capacity.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,140,742) for an “automated graphical user interface layout” that hints at changes that could come to its iTunes interface. It involves nothing major; the invention would match colors that are complementary to the interface items that you’re viewing on your device’s screen.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Twelve South has redesigned its <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/compass-pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Compass Pro</a> for the new iPad Pros. The tweaked $59.99 tripod stand has a wider and more stable footprint to support the 2018 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro in either portrait or landscape mode. </p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The new 2019 Fiat 500X will debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Advanced technology includes: standard Uconnect 4 with 7-inch touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; navigation; Bluetooth hands-free calling, voice command and streaming audio; and SiriusXM Radio.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Apple has launched the Entrepreneur Camp, an initiative designed to create new opportunities for app-driven businesses owned or led by women through an intensive technology lab, specialized support and ongoing mentoring.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Apple has unveiled new resources designed to bring coding education through the <a href="https://www.apple.com/everyone-can-code/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Everyone Can Code</span></a> program to more students around the world. Starting today, customers can register for thousands of free Hour of Code sessions, available at all Apple Store locations around the world from Dec. 1-14.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">TwelveSouth’s $79.99 <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/powerpic?utm_source=twelvesouth.com+subscribers&utm_campaign=70066d230c-PowerPic+Launch&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_76703c9491-70066d230c-59275963&mc_cid=70066d230c&mc_eid=4cec9fbb29" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PowerPic </a>is an item most folks don’t really need, but a lot of folks will want.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At some point you may be able to use “puppeting” to create new emojis for Apple’s Memojis and Animojis. The tech giant has been granted a patent (number 201803367166714) for “emojicon puppeting.”</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Portrait Lighting on the iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xr, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 7 Plus allows you to control lighting effects with shadows, spotlights, and more. It users the dual cameras on these Apple smartphones to o create a depth-of-field effect. </p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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 this week’s picks.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday on accusations that Apple is using its market dominance to jack up prices for iOS apps. A ruling against Apple, letting a lawsuit go forward, could add to pressure the company already faces to cut the 30% commission it charges on app sales, reports <a href="https://www.thestar.com/business/technology/2018/11/23/apple-defends-iphone-app-fees-as-high-court-weighs-consumer-suit.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Star</em></a>.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Steve Jobs Theater Pavilion in the Apple Park (Apple’s “spaceship” headquarters) has been given a 2018 Structure Award by the Institution of Structural Engineers for Structural Artistry.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the future Apple’s Memojis and Animojis may team up with Siri and Messages to “speak” in tones that match the facial expression of the avatar characters. The tech giant has filed for a patent (number 20180336716) for “voice effects based on facial expressions.”</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">According to a new report from <a href="http://www.thinknum.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thinknum</a>, the Apple TV is now second only to the Amazon Fire in 4K streaming device sales.</p>

<p style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A group of Korean smartphone retailers is protesting Apple’s practice of forcing them to purchase in-store tester iPhones, according to <a href="http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20181121000706" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Investor</em>.</a> The tech giant doesn’t allow retailers to sell its smartphones if they don’t buy display-purpose devices.</p>