Dennis Sellers

<p>Amnesty International — an organization that “works to protect women, men and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied” — has launched a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/02/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-apple-in-china/" rel="noopener noreferrer">new social media campaign</a> targeting Apple over its “betrayal” of millions of Chinese iCloud users by “recklessly” making their personal data vulnerable to the arbitrary scrutiny of the Chinese government.</p>

<p>In a statement provided to <em>MacRumors</em>, Apple says it will fix a privacy issue in which Siri, its personal digital assistant, will read aloud hidden lock screen notifications on iPhones.  “We are aware of the issue and it will be addressed in an upcoming software update,” Apple said.</p>

<p>Based on recent job postings, Apple seems to be recruiting an editorial team for its upcoming iBooks reboot, possibly with the idea of creating an App Store-style "Today" tab, per the Japanese site <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/rumor/entry-34629.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Macotakara</em></a> — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/22/apple-ibooks-revamp-could-be-planning-today-tab-to-enhance-discovery" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a>.</p>

<p>Apple has filed for a patent for a “predictive, foveate virtual reality system” that can capture views of the world around a user using multiple resolutions. It could work with Macs or an HDTV and could include a head-mounted display.</p>

<p>Apple has filed for a patent for “gesture based control of autonomous vehicles,” which will doubtless only fuel speculation on an “Apple Car.”</p>

<p>Apple will enter trial production of its new iPhone series in the second quarter of the year, according to<em> </em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20180322PD203.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Digitimes.</em></a> The article says the tech giant wants an early start to avoid the 3D sensor yield rate issues with the 2017 models.</p>

<p>Apple is teaming up with restaurant delivery apps to offer three free delivery on meals ordered through Grubhub, Seamless and Eat24 for Apple Pay users.</p>

<p>According to the Japanese language site, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/apple_store/entry-34628.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Macotakara</em></a> -- as noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/03/21/apple-to-open-several-new-japanese-stores-in-5-years-remodel-existing-locations" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em> </a>— Apple plans to open “several” new retail stores in the country, as well as remodel existing locations.</p>

<p>SaddleBack Leather’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.saddlebackleather.com/iphone-8-hands-free-case" rel="noopener noreferrer">iPhone Photographer Case</a> — available for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus — is a great case/accessory for iPhone-ographers. I just wish there was a model for the iPhone X.</p>

<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. The device that you set up as a home hub must remain in your home, connected to your home Wi-Fi network, and powered on.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.TRENDnet.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">TRENDnet</a> has announced the $99.99 Mini USB-C HD Docking Cube (the TUC-DS1), which supports high-resolution HD video, and extends or mirrors your notebook’s display.</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>A new study from University of California, San Francisco, researchers shows that the Apple Watch can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/smartwatch-shows-promise-in-detecting-heart-problem-1521644401?mod=pls_whats_news_us_business_f" rel="noopener noreferrer">detect atrial fibrillation</a> with high accuracy at least when wearers were at rest.  </p>

<p>The European Commission, Europe’s anti-trust and consumer investigation agency, is set to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.france24.com/en/20180321-eu-digital-tax-tech-giants-google-facebook" rel="noopener noreferrer">unveil</a> proposals today for a digital tax on U.S. tech giants such as Apple that could further intensify the trade row pitting the European Union (EU) against President Trump. The EU is a political and economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe.</p>

<p>When it comes to placing products in TV shows, Apple’s tactic is changing from relying on surprising cameos to taking credited roles, notes <a target="_blank" href="http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/apple-product-placement-911-advertising-1202732304/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Variety</em></a>.</p>