Dennis Sellers

<p>Good news for Apple and its ARKit: worldwide revenues for the augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) market are forecast to increase by 100% or more over each of the next four years, according to the latest update to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.idc.com/tracker/showproductinfo.jsp?prod_id=1381" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Worldwide Semiannual Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending Guide</em></a> from the International Data Corporation (IDC). </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>There’s a lot happening in the world of Apple news this week. Following are the hottest articles for the week of July 30-August 4.</p>

<p>Synology has launched the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.synology.com/products/DS418j" rel="noopener noreferrer">DiskStation DS418j</a>, a budget-friendly (about $325), 4-bay NAS server designed to help home and individual users manage, protect and share data effectively. </p>

<p>Though previous reports says the Wisconsin display factory of Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry, better known as Foxconn Technology Group, will make large panels for use in TV and monitors, the <em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/wisconsin-governor-defends-foxconn-deal-amid-growing-concerns-1502381401?mod=rss_Technology" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wall Street Journal </a></em>claims it will make LCD displays for iPhones.</p>

<p>Apple is close to reaching an agreement over Ireland’s sought indemnity from potential losses related to holding up to €15B (about US$18 billion) of the tech giant’s cash, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-11/apple-said-close-to-deal-protecting-ireland-in-eu-tax-fight" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>.</p>

<p>Satechi has introduced two new adapters to its arsenal of USB-C solutions. The new Aluminum Type-C to VGA Adapter and Aluminum Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter expand connectivity options and add functionality to USB-C devices.</p>

<p>Eltima describes its <a target="_blank" href="http://tinyurl.com/nd6rk5j" rel="noopener noreferrer">Commander One</a> as a "Finder alternative." However, I'd describe it more as a handy Finder "enhancer" that's great for macOS "power users" (a term I don't like, but for which I don't have a better alternative.) Plus, the latest version is 100% written in Apple’s Swift programming language.</p>

<p>Apple has filed for a patent (number 20170230318) for a “return to sender” feature for macOS and iOS apps such as Mail and Messages (and perhaps Pages, Numbers, and Keynote).</p>

<p>Mobile app users are concerned about the security of their information when they register for a new app, a new survey reveals. Nearly 90% say that security of personal information shared during the app onboarding process is somewhat to very important, according to leading B2B research firm <a target="_blank" href="http://email.prnewswire.com/wf/click?upn=zySGXW1QLHU8t7wSbPI8iIkoIwq4eAJDMaW9zZvdMedhwUe8ius1-2FdBsL2xzz5fTvG2df44qUTBaUGHnJGy40SUanVRaI-2BbGDJGq6T9qM5wyNzEKft5GKI0XGHV47iNo_Wqwd-2BPiyum9k5pjiqicXFSb9q9kNe-2BZvjFnD-2BIP39CQMdLlk-2B4XEZyuPgg9q5OR7wYirtgaNqFvgKlKD38oSWx0BguNMziYo-2Bk94vgwxmpS1D2noKiDNzUsWtbelvXMaqwxEsadTP-2FJnWjHIUDQt5FavRw4GZDhH4n-2BFoQ3Qni94chBDgB1XW1fX0mNGjZ68egf3bOSyhce0gYz5K-2BxPcvNg-2B9k4-2FYjklr0iW5rD7RKBwveYvSDSeVFngzRPLYQ6PFaRXSB06OQJ4bx2OwQgQj40cXRfPOaQGz6YaLNC6lqu3sqJ07StHVRMu9emK0H63Ks-2FwZ04xSXbxd-2B5jCNUOIj5Hu8n0ksyfOMEIfbyBsA-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clutch</a>.</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>Oh, that’s gotta hurt: <a target="_blank" href="//www.consumerreports.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Consumer Reports</em></a> is removing its “recommended” designation from four Microsoft laptops and cannot recommend any other Microsoft laptops or tablets because of “poor predicted reliability in comparison with most other brands.”</p>

<p>Citing the always popular “unnamed sources from the supply chain,” <em>the Korea Herald</em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20170810000573" rel="noopener noreferrer">reports </a>that the “iPhone 8” is being pushed back to November, though the “iPhone 7 Plus” and “iPhone 7s Plus’ will arrive in September.</p>

<p>Twenty-eight Chinese app developers have reported Apple to the country’s antitrust regulators accusing the tech giant of monopolistic behavior, reports the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>.</p>

<p>The total worldwide wearable band market grew 8% year on year in the second quarter (Q2) 2017, led by China’s Xiaomi with shipments of 3.5 million units, closely followed by Fitbit, which shipped 3.3 million units, a 34% year-on-year decline, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canalys.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canalys</a>. </p>