Dennis Sellers

<p>How’s your social life? Apple wants to make it even better, and has been granted a patent (number 9,769,107) for “lifestyle-based social groups.”</p>

<p>Apple’s new iPhone X, which goes on sale in October, will sport cutting-edge facial recognition technology. While its Face ID technology may attract consumers, some observers have expressed concerns about the brave new world such an offering would usher in. </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>My compadre, Steve Sande, is in the middle of a podcast, so can’t do the usual AWT News Update. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, <em>Apple Daily Report</em>.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/09/19/all-2018-iphones-likely-to-adopt-face-id-biometrics-nix-touch-id" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a> — KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that, if Face ID on the iPhone X is a hit, we’ll see it replacing Touch ID on future iPhones and iPads. If it’s not a big hit, expect to see iOS devices sporting Face ID and Touch ID. He also expects the TrueDepth camera of the iPhone X in all future iOS gadgets. </p>

<p>Apple has tweaked its <a target="_blank" href="https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=09192017b" rel="noopener noreferrer">App Store polic</a>y, allowing users to download apps up to 150 megabytes in size when connected to a cellular network.</p>

<p>Along with a plethora of other updates, Apple has rolled out Safari 11, an update of its web browser for macOS (Sierra and the upcoming High Sierra). It’s a free update at the Mac App Store. The update:</p>

<p>Apple has updated Pages, Numbers and Keynote for iOS 11. All are available at the Apple App Store.</p>

<p>Apple has rolled out tvOS 11 with AirPlay 2, which offers multi-room audio support. It also includes the ability to automatically switch between light and dark interface modes.</p>

<p>Apple has released watchOS 4, featuring a “proactive” Siri watch face, personalized Activity coaching and a new music experience. The update also sports an enhanced Workout app and introduces GymKit, a technology platform that will offer customers connected workouts with cardio equipment.</p>

<p>Belkin has announced the 3.5 mm Audio + Charge RockStar adapter for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone 7, and iPhone 7 Plus. It plugs into the Lightning connector, offering a way for users to simultaneously charge their iPhone and listen to music using 3.5 mm headphone jack devices. </p>

<p>The iPhone 8 is set to hit shelves Friday, Sept. 22, and Verizon consumers in Los Angeles will have a chance to win one. Beginning today, participants can take part in a scavenger hunt on Snapchat, powered by real-time data.</p>

<p>A new survey conducted by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.juniperresearch.com/CMSModules/Newsletters/CMSPages/Redirect.ashx?linkguid=ef689dd1-474b-44a1-8d65-c91e08a7c9ee&email=submitnews%40applecentral.com&hash=898d7744c1fb18e3162d64eeaff77c4d3cc1a3b3101c2b7a131d8a324f3f7a58" rel="noopener noreferrer">Juniper Research</a> has found that over 40% of iOS users in the U.S. consider themselves unlikely to use facial recognition as a payment security technology. The research group says this suggests that a core use case for the iPhone X’s main security feature may struggle to gain traction amongst consumers.</p>

<p>Patient Doctor Technologies has launched Doctella, a Digital Health Studio for health care providers and health insurance companies to bring care programs to patient apps, leveraging Apple’s open source CareKit.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,766,716) for a “three-dimensional imaging and display system” that hints as 3D input devices for its devices. Macs and iPads seem to be the most logical choices for the invention, should it ever see the light of day.</p>