Dennis Sellers

<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>

<p>Apple ranks sixth in LinkedIn’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-top-companies-2018-where-us-wants-work-now-daniel-roth/" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Top Companies 2018”</a> list of the places where professionals most want to work in the U.S. LinkedIn is a business- and employment-oriented service.</p>

<p>Following <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2018/1/4/rumor-apple-musics-jimmy-iovine-is-leaving-apple?rq=Jimmy%20Iovine" rel="noopener noreferrer">rumors in January</a> that Apple Music exec Jimmy Iovine was leaving the company (which Apple denied), <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/jimmy-iovines-planned-exit-from-apple-music-raises-leadership-questions-1521630001"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em></a> now claims that he will transition into a "consulting role" with Apple Music this August.</p>

<p>Analyst Luke Lin of Digitimes Research <a href="https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20180321VL204.html">claims</a> Apple’s 5.8-inch follow-up to the iPhone X will cost 10% less to produce than the high end smartphone. </p>

<p>Apple has debuted a spring collection of bands that include Woven Nylon bands with a fresh stripe that alternates white with color, exclusive Nike bands that color-match with the latest Nike running shoes, and a new edge paint color for Apple Watch Hermès bands. </p>

<p>Some folks feel that Apple has neglected podcasting in recent software updates. That could change, as the tech giant has been granted a patent (number 9,923,962) for “techniques and systems for supporting podcasting.”</p>

<p>Just Mobile’s <a target="_blank" href="https://just-mobile.com/collections/hero-images/products/shuttergrip?variant=9787265220650" rel="noopener noreferrer">ShutterGrip </a>doesn’t ship until mid-April, but <em>AppleWorld.Today</em> got an advance copy. The bottom line: it’s a nifty accessory for smartphone owners who take lots of photos.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.azpeninnovation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Azpen Innovation</a> has announced four new Qi wireless chargers: the Azpen Qi Wireless Charging Pad (C100), the Azpen Dual-Power Wireless Charging Pad (C200), the Azpen Power Bank with Wireless Charging (C300), and the Azpen Car Vent Magnetic Wireless Charger (C400). </p>