Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has scooped up SenSoMotoric Instruments (SMI), a Germany-based company that makes eye tracking hardware and software. The deal was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/26/apple-acquires-sensomotoric-instruments/?utm_source=osx&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=front" rel="noopener noreferrer">first reported by MacRumors</a> and confirmed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.axios.com/apple-confirms-it-has-bought-a-small-german-computer-vision-company-2448697718.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Axios</a>.</p>

<p>Apple has released the first public beta of <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/6/5/ios-11-will-offer-some-ipad-specific-features" rel="noopener noreferrer">iOS 11</a> for iPhone and iPad users. The finished version is due this fall and will be a free software update. </p>

<p>Setapp, the first Mac app-subscription service is launching a personalized AI-based recommendation system dubbed App Advisor tomorrow (June 27). Every time a user launches the service, it will come up with app suggestions from the Setapp collection. </p>

<p>Apple is leasing some vehicles from Hertz Global to use for autonomous testing, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-26/apple-working-with-hertz-unit-to-manage-small-autonomous-fleet" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>. Documents on file with the California Department of Motor Vehicles indicate that Apple will use Lexus RX450h sport utility vehicles for the testing.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cisco.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple and Cisco</a>, which specializes in IT and networking, want mutual customers to receive a cyber-security insurance premium discount, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said at a Cisco event in Las Vegas, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-cyber-apple-cisco-systems-idUSKBN19H2BK?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtechnologyNews+%28Reuters+Technology+News%29" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters</a>.</p>

<p>Forget the (still unreleased iPhone 8). That’s yesterday’s news. We need rumors about 2018’s “iPhone 9.”</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://eshop.macsales.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacSales.com</a> has announced the availability of the new OWC 2.0TB Aura Pro Solid State Drive for mid-2012 to early 2013 Apple MacBook Pros with Retina display. It’s also compatible with 2010-2012 MacBook Air.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.macflypro.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacFly Pro LLC</a> has introduced MacFly Pro 1.0, a subscription-based Mac maintenance product. The “personal tech assistant” purportedly learns, with every use, from the user's habits for everyday tasks, software preferences and adjusts its recommendations accordingly. </p>

<p>The first iPhone SE models built in India are now on sale in cities around the country such as Bengaluru, where the phones are assembled. The devices <a target="_blank" href="http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/apple-iphone-se-made-in-india-units-start-selling-4718860/" rel="noopener noreferrer">are marked</a> "Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in India," the <em>Indian Express</em> reports.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacFamilyTree</a>, the genealogy software for macOS (10.10 and higher), has grown to version 8.2. A good app continues to get better.</p>

<p>Did you know you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate tabs in the Safari web browser of macOS Sierra? Well, you can.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,684,196) for a “display having a flexures element” that hints at flexible iPhones — and perhaps iPads,</p>

<p>Apple is hiring Stanford Medicine’s digital health leader, Dr. Sumbul Desai, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2017/06/23/apple-pads-healthcare-talent-pool-stanford-standout/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Internet Health Management</a>.</p>

<p>A report from the Israeli website <a target="_blank" href="http://theverifier.co.il/2017/04/07/exclusive-iphone-8-vr-leak/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Verifier</em></a> says the upcoming “iPhone 8” will include an iPad Pro-like smart connector that may be the link up for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality headsets. The article adds that the smart connector will also be used for charging, sort of like MagSafe for the iPhone. </p>

<p>A new global survey on consumer preferences for automotive technology finds more consumers desire advanced technology in their next new vehicle. However, their willingness to pay for technology demonstrates a wide variety of viewpoints from consumers across leading global markets, says the survey from business information provider IHS Markit.</p>