Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has updated its website with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apple.com/shop/gifts" rel="noopener noreferrer">holiday gift guide</a>. Not surprisingly, it helps you “find great holiday gift ideas” like MacBook Pros, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch Series 3, and accessories. Buy now at apple.com and you can get fast, free shipping.</p>

<p>Chinese website <a target="_blank" href="http://news.mydrivers.com/1/555/555760.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>MyDrivers</em></a> — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>MacRumors</em></a> — says Apple’s 2018 iPad Pros will feature octa-core processors. That prediction is based on Taiwanese supplier TSMC's improved 7nm manufacturing process.</p>

<p>The Digital Citizens Alliance Executive Director Tom Galvin has issued a statement after <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/millions-kodi-pirates-could-be-unwittingly-spreading-child-porn-malware-1647284" rel="noopener noreferrer">TVAddons reported</a> there is a "'99.99%" chance" that the millions of consumers using jailbroken Apple TV 2 devices to stream content are, "at risk of having their Kodi box used to send spam, DDoS attacks, distribute malware or even something as disgusting as child pornography."</p>

<p>Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Facebook topped the first <a target="_blank" href="http://brandz.com/article/just-launched--us-2018--brandz--top-100-most-valuable-us-brands-report-2234" rel="noopener noreferrer">“BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable U.S. Brands”</a> ranking released today by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/7d504e51b82779ff0f706dd1bd763e3413a565c2?url=https%3A%2F%2Freachrobotics.com%2F&userId=1372064&signature=edd6b75e9422e84a" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reach Robotics</a>, an augmented reality gaming company, says its flagship product, <a target="_blank" href="https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/22ebaf2241ac19aeca5a98fe165927e6d9949a72?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmekamon.com%2F&userId=1372064&signature=cd87de15f9cf56fa" rel="noopener noreferrer">MekaMon</a>, “the world’s first real-life gaming robot,” is now available on <a target="_blank" href="https://mailtrack.io/trace/link/407337ba8bd8cabba647ac7cfcd9c9122d689f9c?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2F&userId=1372064&signature=c89c57b54d944d08" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple.com</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://mekamon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MekaMon.com</a> for $299.95, as well as in Apple stores throughout the U.S. and UK at stores on Nov. 16.</p>

<p>Market research firm <a target="_blank" href="https://www.trendforce.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TrendForce</a> reports Apple continued the strong shipments of 12-inch laptops in the second quarter, and focused on the new models of MacBook Pro in the third quarter, recording the third quarter shipments of 4.43 million units and an increase of 11.3%. It exceeded ASUS to rank the fourth in the quarter as the number four global manufacturer of laptops.</p>

<p>Apple has agreed to give limited help to the Indian government develop an anti-spam mobile application for its iOS platform, after refusing to do so based on privacy concerns, according to “sources and documents” seen by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-india-exclusive/exclusive-apple-to-help-india-develop-anti-spam-app-after-face-off-with-regulator-idUSKBN1DF122?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Reuters</em></a>.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,817,894) for “fast search in a music sharing environment.” It apparently involves iTunes Family Sharing and Apple Music with the goal of making searches faster for music data. </p>

<p>WaterField Designs’ $89 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfbags.com/products/ranger-iphone-x-case" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ranger iPhone X case</a> is another of the company’s takes on the traditional holster. With magnetic closing systems that use Neodymium rare-earth magnets, it attaches securely to clothing, belts, work vests, or straps.  </p>

<p>Things are a little different when it comes to navigating the iPhone X as compared to previous Apple smartphones. One of those is unlocking and getting to the Home screen. However, it’s easy once you practice a few times.</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 U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into allegations of patent infringement by Apple on various devices, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-investigation/usitc-says-launches-probe-of-allegations-of-patent-infringement-by-apple-idUSKBN1DE2ZZ?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Reuters</em></a>.</p>

<p>American Eagle Outfitters, number-two seller of jeans in the U.S., has opened <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/american-eagle-store-free-laundry-nyc-2017-11/#the-fitting-rooms-are-minimally-designed-with-plenty-of-space-to-mill-about-or-show-off-try-ons-to-friends-16" rel="noopener noreferrer">a new store</a> in Manhattan with some cool features, including an iPad in every dressing room.</p>

<p>The $49.95 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tenonedesign.com/mountieplus.php" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mountie +</a> by Ten One Design is a new iPad mount that’s strong enough for the iPad Pro. The design keeps the cord out of your way, making it a two-screen solution on the go when paired with <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/6/20/how-to-add-a-touch-bar-to-your-new-imac?rq=Duet" rel="noopener noreferrer">Duet</a>, an app that allows you to use your iOS device as an extra screen with your Mac.</p>

<p>Key Apple assembler Quanta Computer says augmented reality (AR) will bring huge business opportunities, adding that a “significant” AR device will be released no later than 2019, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/AC/Apple-supplier-Quanta-sees-augmented-reality-headset-out-by-2019" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Nikkei Asian Review</em></a>. That device is expected to come from Apple.</p>