Dennis Sellers

<p>Even as <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/5/9/apple-buys-the-beddit-sleep-tracking-hardwaresoftware-company?rq=Beddit" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple scoops up Beddit</a>, a sleep tracking hardware/software company, Roy J.E.M. Raymann, a sleep scientist Apple hired back in 2014, left the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.</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>Apple plans to announce Amazon Prime video's coming to the Apple TV App Store during the keynote at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/johnpaczkowski/apple-will-announce-amazon-prime-video-coming-to-apple-tv?utm_term=.bsG6dK6Yn#.vj5lj9ler" rel="noopener noreferrer">BuzzFeed News</a>. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.health-eheartstudy.org/study" rel="noopener noreferrer">In a joint study published today</a>, app developer Cardiogram and researchers at the University of California, San Francisco said Apple Watch combined with Cardiogram’s algorithm showed the smartwatch’s sensors can differentiate between a normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation (AF). In fact, the study identified AF with 97% accuracy.</p>

<p>Microsoft announced today at its Build developer event that Apple will bring its iTunes app to the Windows 10 Store, iTunes, is already available for Windows users, but adding it to the Windows Store will make it easier for Windows users to find the software. </p>

<p>Basic band shipments, mostly fitness bands, fell 7% year on year to just over nine million in the first quarter of 2017 - the category’s first ever decline, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canalys.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canalys</a>. However, it was good news for Apple.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/apple-stock-price-update-project-titan-2017-5-1001999979" rel="noopener noreferrer">Markets Insider</a> — UBS' equity research team shared what they learned from speaking with tech analyst, Horace Dediu. The biggest takeaway: "transportation is Apple's future.” This refers to “Project Titan,” the tech giant’s rumored “Apple Car” division.</p>

<p>Apple wants to incorporate Siri — its “personal digital assistant” even more into its Messages app on macOS and iOS devices. The company has filed for a patent (number 20170132019) for an “intelligent automated assistant in a messaging environment.”</p>

<p>Apple may be planning a new version of the late, lamented MacSafe adapter. The company has filed for a patent (number 20170133787) for “flexible and breakaway mechanisms for connections.” And it might even be illuminated.</p>

<p>Apple is looking to beef up its services backend with major expansions at existing data centers in Arizona and Nevada, including a $1 billion investment that doubles its commitment to a Reno Technology Park facility, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/05/10/apple-plans-major-expansions-at-arizona-and-nevada-data-centers" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a>.</p>

<p>Sonnet Technologies has announced the launch of the Echo Express SE III, the newest member of the company's Echo Express family of Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express (PCIe) expansion systems. </p>

<p>To be honest, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.elagostore.com/stand/est-m4-bk.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elago’s M4 Stand</a> for the iPhone has little practical value, unlike the <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/5/10/the-w3-stand-for-apple-watch-practical-fun-and-affordable" rel="noopener noreferrer">W3 Stand for Apple Watch</a>, but it is kinda cool. You’ll have to decide if you want to spend $34.99 for a “kinda cool” case for the iPhone 7, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 (alas, there are no Plus sizes available).</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>Developers, take note: Microsoft has released <a target="_blank" href="http://www.visualstudio.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visual Studio 2017 for Mac</a>. It’s a new member of the Visual Studio family, enabling developers on macOS (10.11 and higher) to build apps for mobile, web, and cloud with Xamarin and .NET Core, as well as games with Unity.</p>

<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://scientiamobile.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">ScientiaMobile,</a> the upcoming “iPhone 8” will have to displace the iPhone 6s to become the world’s most used smartphone. The research group’s “Mobile Overview Report (MOVR)” notes that the iPhone 6S was the most used smartphone model in the world despite the iPhone 7 launch in September 2016.</p>