Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has submitted a preliminary proposal to the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board to simplify the way music-streaming companies pay songwriters and publishers -- in a way that could make it more expensive for rivals like Spotify and YouTube to keep offering free streaming, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/7439046/apple-proposes-simplified-statutory-licensing-scheme" rel="noopener noreferrer">Billboard</a>.</p>

<p style="margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px">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>Nest Labs, Inc. has introduced the Nest Cam Outdoor, additional features to the Nest Aware service, and a brand new way to interact with the entire range of Nest products through the Nest app.</p>

<p>StarTech has released its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Laptop-docking-stations/usb-c-laptop-adapter~DKT30CHV" rel="noopener noreferrer">USB-C Multifunction Adapter,</a> which is designed to enable mobile professionals to add crucial functionality to port-limited laptops such as Apple’s 12-inch MacBook. </p>

<p>WaterField Designs has devoted the $329 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/bolt-backpack" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bolt Laptop Backpack</a>, which is designed to accommodate both work and after-work gear in a stylish, professional bag that befits the office, airport, or gym, according to company owner Gary Waterfield.</p>

<p>Maclocks has announced the Ledge <a href="https://www.maclocks.com/ledge-macbook-lock-slot-adapter-macbook-air-and-macbook-pro-lock-slot.html">MacBook Lock</a>, which it says is the world's smallest security solution for the Apple laptop. With a single replacement screw, the MacBook is fully secured while completely protected from daily wear and tear, the company says.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.savant.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Savant</a> has announced the availability of a new line of direct to consumer products, starting with the entertainment-focused Savant Remote. The remote combines the features of a universal remote with the power of home automation.</p>

<p>MG has launched its $285 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mm-goi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Novi Portable Charging Stati</a>on. The new device utilizes LunaPulse technology to charge up to eight portable battery pods in 2.5 hours. </p>

<p>The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reportedly is investigating Apple Music and the App Store for anti-competitive behavior related to subscription services. </p>

<p>Some users of Spark, a free email app, says they’ve been locked out of their Apple IDs overnight. Developer Readdle says the problem is due to server upgrades it’s been making.</p>

<p>BitTorrent’s streaming music and video app (BitTorrent Now) has been released for iOS devices and the Apple TV. If you’ve got an Apple TV, you can find the app in its App Store. The version for iPhones and iPads can be obtained at the Apple App Store.</p>

<p>Facebook has introduced a beta version of <a href="https://github.com/facebook/facebook-sdk-swift/releases">Facebook SDK for Swift</a>, a new set of tools for adding things like Facebook Login and the Share to Facebook button into apps written in the Swift programming language.</p>

<p>If you've ever had files that were accidentally deleted, became unreadable due to media faults, or which you stored on a drive before it was re-initialized/formatted, you could use FileSalvage from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.subrosasoft.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">SubRosaSoft</a>. The software can recover lost files, iTunes libraries, photo collections, and more.</p>

<p>iVisor's $54.95 Glass Privacy not only protects your Apple smartphone's screen from scratches (I tested the one for the iPhone 6 Plus), but it also acts as a shield to prevent people from casually glancing at your screen content. </p>

<p>Razer says its Razer Ultra-Low-Profile Mechanical Switch will be initially outfitted into its Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case for Apple’s iPad Pro. Each switch features a true actuation and reset point. </p>