Dennis Sellers

<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>

<p>Apple is now selling SIM-free models of the iPhone X, so you can buy the smartphone and add a carrier at your convenience.</p>

<p>The European Union General Court <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-court-apple-xiaomi/apple-wins-eu-trademark-case-against-xiaomi-idUSKBN1DZ1IO?il=0" rel="noopener noreferrer">has ruled</a> that Xiaomi, privately owned Chinese electronics and software company headquartered in Beijing, can’t trademark the name of its “Mi Pad” tablet (pictured) because the name is too similar to Apple’s iPad.</p>

<p>If you’re a 12-inch MacBook owner like me, you realize that the lack of ports (as in only USB Type-C one) can be an inconvenience. <a target="_blank" href="https://landingzone.net/products/macbook-docks/for-the-12-inch-macbook/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LandingZone</a>’s $229 docking station makes life more convenient, and can turn the tiny laptop into a moderately powered “desktop.”</p>

<p>With the iPhone X you can shoot selfies in Portrait Mode. Portrait Mode is a software feature that uses the two lenses of the Apple smartphone to create the look and feel of an image shot with portrait settings on a camera with a telephoto lens.</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>Quanta Computer, one of Apple’s main manufacturing partners, has made a licensing agreement with Lumuns, an augmented-reality component maker, for manufacturing lenses for smart glasses. This doesn’t necessarily mean Apple AR (augmented reality) glasses are coming, but it does add fuel to the rumors.</p>

<p>Apple has released tvOS 11.2 for the fourth generation Apple TV and Apple TV with 4K. It adds a Sports section to the interface, joining the “Watch Now,” Library,” “Store” and “Search” options.</p>

<p>Folks like to complain about Siri, but it delivered the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3239670/apple-ios/sometimes-it-s-hard-to-be-apple-s-siri.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">highest percentage</a> of perfectly completed device responses in both quiet and noisy environments, according to a survey of 500 folks by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbtnuggets.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBT Nuggets</a>, which specializes in online IT training videos and IT certification.  </p>

<p>Level Up Gamer is open, but for this week only. It’s for Mac gamers who want free games, gaming deals, a digital magazine, and access to an exclusive community.</p>

<p>Ireland expects Apple to start paying up to 13 billion euros (about $15.4 billion) in back taxes into an escrow account in the first quarter of 2018, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-apple-ireland-taxavoidance/ireland-expects-apple-back-tax-in-escrow-account-in-first-quarter-2018-minister-idUSKBN1DY1M3" rel="noopener noreferrer">told reporters</a> before a meeting with European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager.</p>

<p>VeprIT has launched SlideFlow, a Mac app for generating animated photo slideshows with background music and playing it on a TV screen. </p>