Dennis Sellers

<p>If you need to find out why your home or office network is running slower than it should -- or if you're just interested to see how fast it does run -- check out Speedy Net.</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 <a href="http://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/">Swift Playgrounds</a>, a free iPad app to teach kids of any age basic coding skills in Swift. It’s designed to teach basic programming concepts like loops and conditionals using an animated character that the budding programmers direct by writing code. </p>

<p>Apple has <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnPaczkowski/status/775765814204960768">given a statement</a> on the issue that caused the iOS 10 update to fail over the air, and says it has now been fixed. Well, based on my experience, that’s sure not the case and I’d advise everyone NOT to upgrade to iOS 10 just yet.</p>

<p>Apple has rolled out watchOS 3, which promises “significantly” improved performance with the ability to launch favorite apps instantly, enhanced navigation like the new Dock and all-new fitness and health capabilities for Apple Watch. Here’s how to upgrade: </p>

<p>Apple has released tvOS 10 with new Siri capabilities, single sign-on for Apple TV, and more new features for fourth generation Apple TV users. To upgrade, go to the Menu on your Apple TV. Go to Setting > General > Software > Update Software.</p>

<p>Apple has updated iTunes for Mac OS X to version 12.5.1. It’s available at the Mac App Store for free and includes support for iOS 10, which is due to be released today. </p>

<p>Four patents VirnetX, an Internet security software and technology company, said were infringed by Apple have been deemed invalid by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as the patents <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-09/virnetx-plunges-after-patents-deemed-invalid-in-apple-dispute">don't actually cover new inventions</a>, the Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board argued, according to <em>Bloomberg</em>. VirnetX CEO Kendell Larsen said his company will appeal the USPTO's decisions.</p>

<p>No much for the new iPhone being a bust. Not only is it <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/9/13/iphone-77-plus-sales-shatter-sales-records-at-t-mobile" rel="noopener noreferrer">breaking sales records</a> at T-Mobile, but pre-orders of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sprint.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sprint</a> are up more than 375% in the first three days over last year.</p>

<p>Future iPhones and iPads may automatically detect the brightness level of the environment you’re in so that when you power it up you’re not blinded by the screen’s bright display. Apple has applied for a patent (number 9,443,460) for “luminescence shock avoidance in display devices,” which could also extend battery life.</p>

<p>As noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/13/iphone-7-sales-record/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>, T-Mobile has reported that pre-orders for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus have shattered sales records, with orders four times higher than the iPhone 6.</p>

<p>Anyone who's followed my online Apple/tech coverage over the years knows that I love Harman Kardon products. I think Apple should just buy the company.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/iloud" rel="noopener noreferrer">IK Multimedia's iLoud</a> $249.99 is a convenient portable stereo speaker designed for studio monitor quality on-the-on. It packs some punch thanks to its 40W RMS of power, and it's clear at all volume levels thanks to an onboard DSP processor and a bi-amped 4-driver array of high efficient neodymium loudspeakers that provide accurate, even response across the entire frequency spectrum. </p>

<p>I must preface this review by first admitting that I am kind of a bag lady. I LOVE nice bags. Most of the time I am the one doing the admiring though, not the owning. So, when the opportunity to review both the HardCase MacBook Case and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/cozmo-2-laptop-bag" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cozmo 2.0 Laptop Bag</a> by WaterField Designs, this was one happy bag lady.</p>

<p>Apple CEO Tim Cook, on his <a href="http://twitter.com/tim_cook">Twitter account</a>, shared photos taken at yesterday's Titans-Vikings game and US Open proceedings using the device.</p>