Dennis Sellers

<p>The iPhone X takes great close-ups with its advanced cameras. But you can make ‘em even sharper.</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>The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, deals with some family issues. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, <em>Apple Daily Report</em>.</p>

<p>Apple <a target="_blank" href="https://searchengineland.com/apple-launches-set-forget-search-ads-basic-app-store-287796" rel="noopener noreferrer">has launched</a> Search Ads Basic, an App Store ad program designed to simplify the process to eliminate keywords and bids. According to the tech giant, advertisers can tell them your app and monthly budget. </p>

<p>A “handful” of enthusiasts of have taken to Twitter to report that Google, and now Wikipedia, are claiming Apple will unveil the iMac Pro on Monday, Dec. 18, according to <em><a target="_blank" href="https://theapplepost.com/imac-pro-launching-december-18th-according-to-google/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Apple Pos</a>t</em>.</p>

<p>As noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>MacRumors</em></a>, <em>Consumer Reports</em> has posted its final <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/smartphones/iphone-x-review-test-results/">iPhone X testing results</a>, and, though listing it among the top 10 smartphones, ranks it below the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus.</p>

<p>Apple has released watchOS 4.2 for the Apple Watch. It adds support for Apple Pay Cash service, as well as other improvements and bug fixes.</p>

<p>Apple has acquired Pop Up Archive, a startup that with tech that makes podcasts even searchable, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.niemanlab.org/2017/12/apple-has-acquired-pop-up-archive-an-interesting-startup-that-makes-podcasts-more-searchable/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>NiemanLab</em></a>. Its online platform is focused on building tools to transcribe, organize, and search audio files.</p>

<p>TunesKit Studio has introduced <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tuneskit.com/mac-audio-capture.html)" rel="noopener noreferrer">TunesKit Audio Capture</a> for macOS and Windows. The tool allows you to capture any music files from your computer or the Internet automatically and losslessly. </p>

<p>Lifeprint has launched its new and larger 3x4.5-inch Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connected photo printer exclusively on <a target="_blank" href="http://apple.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple.com</a> and Apple retail stores across the world.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vindicia.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vindicia</a>, which specializes in business-to-consumer digital services monetization, has announced that Vindicia CashBox now supports Apple Pay. CashBox is designed to streamline subscription and recurring payment services.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,839,147) for a magnetic stand with a removable tripod for the iPad. The stand is configured to rigidly hold a portion of the tablet in place, to shield the magnetic field from adversely affecting nearby devices susceptible to strong magnetic fields, and to allow two iPads to work together. </p>

<p>The latest smartphone operating system data from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kantarworldpanel.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kantar Worldpanel ComTech</a> says that in the three months ending in October, iOS share fell in key markets, “making clear the impact of the flagship iPhone X not being available to buy in the month of October.”</p>

<p>Apple has updated its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apple.com//recycling/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Renew and Recycling program</a> for the Apple Watch. For qualifying devices, you can receive a gift card online or credit toward a purchase in the store. </p>

<p>As noted by <em><a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/12/04/apple-debuts-new-apple-watch-sport-band-and-iphone-x-silicone-case-colors" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a></em>, Apple’s online store is offering Apple Watch Sport Bands and iPhone X silicone cases in new colors.</p>