Dennis Sellers

<p>With Samsung officially <a href="http://seekingalpha.com/news/3213272-samsung-halts-production-galaxy-note-7">terminating</a> all sales and exchanges of its Galaxy Note 7 device, Drexel Hamilton analyst Brian White <a href="http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2016/10/11/apple-rising-samsung-note-7-collapse-means-another-8m-iphone-7-sales-says-drexel/">estimates</a> an eight million boost to iPhone unit sales in calendar year 2016. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://temkingroup.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Temkin Group</a> has released a new research report, <em>Net Promoter Score Benchmark Study, 2016</em>”, based on a study of 10,000 U.S. consumers. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) measures the likelihood of consumers to recommend a company to their friends and family, using a scoring range from -100 to +100.</p>

<p>Samsung said today that it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-to-permanently-discontinue-galaxy-note-7-smartphone-1476177331" rel="noopener noreferrer">will permanently discontinue production and sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone</a> over defective batteries — including ones in replacement handsets the company had subsequently sent to customers following a recall of original devices.</p>

<p>Darrel Hayden of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.courierstrack.in" rel="noopener noreferrer">CourierTracks</a> — a site where you can track and trace international couriers, packages, parcels, and mail — has designed an infographic titled “Apple vs. Google” for <em>Apple World Today</em>. It illustrates comparative facts and figures of the tech giants. </p>

<p>Your iMac might someday provide wireless power to your iPhone, iPad, and other devices. Apple has filed for a patent (number 9,466,989) for “wireless power utilization in a local computing environment.”</p>

<p>I’ve long been a fan of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/backpack-for-imac" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twelve South’s BackPack for iMa</a>c, a sturdy shelf designed for an iMac or Apple display. However, if you need something bigger, the FLOAT Shelf <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hand/1415843320?token=ec81a4b1">debuts on Kickstarter</a> today. I received an advance unit and like what I see.</p>

<p>Apple would prefer you exhaust all other options in dealing with an issue before you make a Genius Bar reservation. And the company has made it a bit more difficult to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple retail store. Here’s how it used to work with an accompanying graphic from iMore.com:</p>

<p>Survey data from Fiksu indicates that the iPhone 7 Plus now makes up 30% of iPhone 7 sales, the highest percentage ever for the Plus models. The ratio may go even higher for the December quarter. </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>Apple has added a banner to its U.S. website, iTunes Store, and app stores, allowing you to donate to relief efforts for those affected by the Hurricane Matthew. All donations go to the American Red Cross. </p>

<p>Six years after Apple filed its first lawsuit alleging unauthorized copying of the iPhone, the Cupertino, California-based company will square off at the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday against Samsung. They will argue over how much of a $399 million patent infringement award Samsung must pay, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-10-10/apple-fights-samsung-at-u-s-high-court-as-smartphone-wars-wane?utm_content=business&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&cmpid%3D=socialflow-twitter-business)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.olloclip.com/">olloclip</a> has announced its newly designed mobile photography lens sets for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:  the Core, Active and Macro Pro lens sets. The updated designs feature new multi-element optics, the new Connect interchangeable lens system and an innovative hinged lens base keeping the lens flush with the camera for improved optical performance while allowing compatibility with most screen protectors.  </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shazam.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shazam</a> has launched Shazam for Apple’s Messages app (which is currently dubbed simply Messages). Users can “Shazam” and share their results as messages with friends without leaving the messaging screen.</p>

<p>British ministers have been barred from wearing Apple Watches during Cabinet meetings over concerns that they could be hacked by Russian spies, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/09/apple-watches-banned-from-cabinet-after-ministers-warned-devices/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Telegraph</a>.</p>

<p>Urban Xplorer's US$199 Xplorer HalfPack RT ("RT" as in "road trip") was the first in Urban Xplorer’s "affordable luxury" line of travel bags and gear. In fact, it's designed not just as a bag, but as multi-functional, customizable travel gear with a vintage American classic design.</p>