Dennis Sellers

<p>Google has overtaken Apple as the world’s most valuable brand. Google’s brand value rose by 24% during 2016 (from $88.2 billion to US$109.4 billion) whilst Apple’s declined from $145.9 billion to $107.1 billion, according to the latest Brand Finance Global 500 report. Google last occupied the position of the world’s most valuable brand in 2011. </p>

<p>Apple has released AirPods firmware 3.5.1. <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/02/01/apple-pushes-airpods-firmware-351-to-synchronized-iphones-with-minor-bug-fixes" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a> says it’s probably already been downloaded to a synchronized device. </p>

<p>CEO Tim Cook has told the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-considers-legal-options-against-trumps-immigration-order-1485925005"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a> that hundreds of Apple’s employees have been affected by President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, and says that the company is considering taking legal action.</p>

<p>Apple shipped 78.3 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of the year, moving it ahead of Samsung (by about 800,000 more smartphone units) to recapture the top global position among smartphone manufacturers, reports <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170131006472/en/Strategy-Analytics-Global-Smartphone-Shipments-Hit-Record">Strategy Analytics</a>. The research group says Apple has 18% of the worldwide market.</p>

<p>According to the latest market share survey from <a target="_blank" href="http://netmarkeshare.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">NetMarketShare</a>, the market share for both macOS and iOS rose in January.</p>

<p>Animated images -- otherwise known as GIFs -- have been around for 25 years, but they saw a resurgence of popularity in 2013. If you want to make your own, PicGIF from Pearl Mountain offers a quick, easy solution. </p>

<p>Except for the iPad and Apple TV, Apple is firing on all cylinders (at least fiscally), posting great financial results for its fiscal 2017 first quarter that ended Dec. 31, 2016. The company made $7.17 billion with its Services category (Apple Pay, AppleCare, iCloud, online stores, and more). </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 target="_blank" href="http://www.twelvesouth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twelve South</a> has released the $34.99 MagicBridge. Much like its predecessor, the MagicWand, the MagicBridge connects your Apple Wireless Keyboard and your Magic Trackpad 2, creating a one-piece control surface.</p>

<p>Apple hasn’t fully paid the 13 billion euros ($13.9 billion) it owes to Ireland in illegal tax benefits even though the deadline has passed, the European Union's Competition Commissioner says.</p>

<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2017/01/31/ios-10-3-beta-32-bit-app-warning/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>, Apple apparently plans to drop support for 32-bit apps in iOS 10.3.</p>

<p>Charlie Imhoff has released Tabula 1.0 for macOS. It’s a writing app that automatically formats your text as you write. </p>

<p>Pixolini has introduced Property Flip or Hold 1.0, a new financial app for macOS. It’s designed to help real estate investors quickly compare return on investment to flip and take profit now or hold and rent property for passive income. </p>

<p>SCOSCHE Industries has released the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which features three ports and is targeted for Type-C devices such as the 2016 MacBooks and MacBook Pros.</p>

<p>Apple has applied for two patents regarding augmented reality (AR), both of which would logically (or so it seems to me) involve the iPhone. One patent (number 9,560,273) is for a “wearable information system” having at least one camera.</p>