Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple CEO Tim Cook has struck back at critics of the company's strategy to avoid paying U.S. taxes, saying he would not bring that money back from abroad unless there was a "fair rate."</p>

<p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/technology/with-nfl-deal-twitter-live-streams-its-ambitions.html"><em>The New York Times</em> reports</a> that Twitter is in discussions with Apple to launch a Twitter app for the Apple TV that would let Twitter's users watch the NFL games on Apple's set-top box. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.tenba.com">Tenba's</a> Messenger DNA bags are great for road warriors. They’re made of weatherproof materials and durable hardware, and lightweight yet protective padding.</p>

<p>Akitio has released the <a href="http://globalmessaging1.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?msg_id=8283154&adr_order=162&url=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWtpdGlvLmNvbS9leHBhbnNpb24vdGh1bmRlcjMtcGNpZS1ib3g%3D">Thunder3 PCIe Box</a>, a Thunderbolt 3 external PCI Express (PCIe) expansion chassis device designed to provide an additional PCIe slot for Thunderbolt 3 computers where there’s either not enough space to install another PCIe card or on systems such as laptops where there previously was no option to add a PCIe card.</p>

<p>Maclocks, the Apple lock specialists, has introduced the <a href="https://www.maclocks.com/imac-locks/macbook-locks/new-macbook-lock-bracket-macbook-12-inch-wedge-lock-bracket.html">New MacBook Lock</a>, which the company claims is the first lock specifically designed to include security for the USB-C port on a 12-inch MacBook.</p>

<p><a href="https://steelseries.com/gaming-mice/rival-700">SteelSeries</a>’ $329 Siberia 840 is the company’s newest wireless headset. It’s part of the Siberia 800 family of gaming headsets.</p>

<p>MG has announced the $285 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mm-goi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Novi Portable Charging Statio</a>n, which features a wireless charging dock that charges up to eight lightweight portable battery pods in only 2.5 hours.</p>

<p>Real estate industry insiders in Seattle, Washington, are buzzing that a “large California company” is looking for a big piece of office space in the area and rumor has it that it’s Apple, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.geekwire.com/2016/apple-rumored-to-be-taking-a-big-bite-out-of-seattle-area-office-market-with-potential-expansion/" rel="noopener noreferrer">GeekWire</a>. The Cupertino, California-based company already has a small presence in the city, having leased one floor and part of another at the downtown Two Union Square office tower last year.</p>

<p>Apple continues to court favor with India. With the country's Independence Day around the corner, Apple is celebrating the occasion by having a special featured section highlighting apps from Indian developers on the App Store, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/apple-independence-day-by-highlighting-apps-indian-developers/story/236088.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Business Insider</a>.</p>

<p>This year Apple Music secured the exclusive rights for the first week of availability for three albums that all ended up debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums ranking, despite the fact that they were only accessible via one platform, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/08/11/apple-music-has-now-sent-three-albums-to-number-one-this-year/#b95430f649d9" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forbes</a>. Future’s <em>EVOL</em>, Drake’s <em>Views</em>, and DJ Khaled’s first chart-topper, <em>Major Key</em> have all kicked off in the top spot.</p>

<p>While working as a product design engineer for the iPhone/iPod at Apple, Andrew Pletenetskyy found that his frequent traveling made it impossible to look after his indoor garden. After several failures with auto-watering solutions available on the market, he decided to solve this problem on his own. </p>

<p>An Bord Pleanala, an independent appeals review board, has granted approval for Apple’s 850 million euro Apple data center and a related electrical substation in Athenry, Ireland, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2016/08/12/apple-irish-data-center-decision-approved/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>. Apple planned to start building the data center on a 500-acre site before the end of 2015. However, it was delayed when unhappy Irish citizens lodged formal complaints with the Irish government.</p>

<p>Feral Interactive's newest game, Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, is one of the best platformers I've played in some time. It evokes the storybook feel of classic Disney fairytales in its lush graphics and vivid colors.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://apps.leapmotion.com/apps/sortee/osx)" rel="noopener noreferrer">Flow Studio's Sortee</a> is a game that works with the Mac-compatible <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/8/11/leap-motion-control-is-intriguing-and-fun-but-not-quite-ready-for-prime-time" rel="noopener noreferrer">Leap</a>, a 3D motion controller. It's a fun game that will keep you occupied sorting objects for longer than your arms will hold out.</p>

<p>Iran is preparing to allow local companies to import iPhones for the first time to try to curb the huge market in smuggled Apple products. The trade ministry has requested licenses from the country’s Trade Promotion Organization for nine Iranian companies to import iPhones, according to the <em>Tasnim New</em>s agency. </p>