Dennis Sellers

<p>I’ve long been a fan of Pixelmator (<a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2015/10/16/pixelmator-for-os-x-is-a-powerful-image-editor-for-the-rest-of-us?rq=Pixelmator%20Pro" rel="noopener noreferrer">see my review here</a>), my graphics editing program of choice. Now the Pixelmator Team has kicked things up a notch with Pixelmator Pro, which includes a modern single-window interface, nondestructive, GPU-powered image editing tools, machine learning-enhanced editing features, and more. </p>

<p>Using the Disk Utility in macOS High Sierra, you can create a blank disk image for storage. A disk image (.dmg file) is a file that looks and acts like a mountable device or volume. You can fill an empty disk image with data, then use it to create disks, CDs, or DVDs.</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>Barclay analysts think the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/12/28/the-korea-communications-commission-wants-apple-to-explain-batterygate" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Batterygate”</a> brouhaha could cost Apple $10.29 billion, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-battery-controversy-10-billion-lost-iphone-sales-2018-1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Business Insider</em></a>. They think the fiasco would result in as many as 16 million lost smartphone sales by the tech giant.</p>

<p>A state agency in Sao Paulo Brazi says that Apple must notify consumers about its iPhone battery replacement program, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-brazilian-agency-requires-apple-to-inform-consumers-on-batteries-2018-1" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Business Insider</em></a>.</p>

<p>Apple is developing a new original drama series entitled <em>Are You Sleeping</em>, starring Octavia Spencer, reports <em><a target="_blank" href="http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/are-you-sleeping-octavia-spencer-reese-witherspoon-apple-development-1202652263/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Variety</a></em>. Created and written by Nichelle Tramble Spellman, the series will be produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and Chernin Ent/Endeavor Content.</p>

<p>As noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/18/01/03/apple-opens-up-developer-fee-waivers-to-us-nonprofits-schools-government" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a>, Apple has started promised fee waivers for its Developer Program. Certain eligible groups can avoid paying the $99 per-year fee the tech giant normally requires.</p>

<p>Metal chassis makers, including Taiwan-based Casetek Holdings, China-based AAC Technologies and Singapore-based Hi-P Electronics, are expected to join the race to compete for smartphone chassis orders from Apple in 2018, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20180103PD210.html" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>DigiTimes</em></a>.</p>

<p>Quoting unnamed “multiple sources,” <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/18/01/03/apple-has-already-partially-implemented-fix-in-macos-for-kpti-intel-cpu-security-flaw" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>AppleInsider</em></a> says there are routines in macOS 10.13.2 to secure the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2018/1/3/a-design-flaw-in-intels-chips-could-spur-apple-to-develop-its-own-mac-processors" rel="noopener noreferrer">Intel chip flaw</a> that could grant applications access to protected kernel memory data. </p>

<p>Last week <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/12/29/ice-ice-baby-apples-chicago-flagship-store-doesnt-like-winter-weather?rq=Chicago" rel="noopener noreferrer">it was reported</a> that Apple Michigan Avenue, Apple’s flagship store in Chicago, was having problems with winter weather in the Windy City.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-alphabet-speakers/amazon-google-cut-speaker-prices-in-market-share-contest-analysts-idUSKBN1ES0VV?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Reuters</em> </a>reports that Amazon and Google’s Alphabet division both discounted their virtual assistant speakers so deeply over the holiday shopping season that they likely lost a few dollars per unit, “highlighting a sharply different strategy from Apple as it prepares its HomePod speaker,” according to pundits such as Paul Erickson, a senior analyst with IHS Markit and Adam Wright, senior research analyst at IDC.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20180103000572" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Korea Herald</em></a><em> </em>reports that while Samsung will remain the sole or primary supplier of the OLED panels for the current, 5.8-inch version of the iPhone X, LG will supply panels for a bigger 6.5-inch model due this year.</p>

<p>As of Jan. 13, the UK will ban shops and stores from charging a fee for credit card and debit card transactions, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/shops-banned-charging-you-use-1001583" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Bristol Post</em></a>. This will eliminate additional fees for credit and debit transactions, including those with Apple Pay.</p>

<p>A fundamental design flaw in Intel's processor chips means Linux and Windows will need a redesign, while other operating systems such as macOS will need an update, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/01/02/intel_cpu_design_flaw/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Register</em></a>.</p>

<p>Apple will announce the results of its first fiscal quarter of 2018 after markets close on Thursday, Feb. 1. A conference call for investors and the press will be held at 2 p.m. Pacific.</p>