Dennis Sellers

<p>I’ve long hoped for iMacs with even better speakers. Maybe I’ll get my wish as Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,729,992) for a “front loudspeaker directivity for surround sound systems.” The invention could also involve upcoming Apple stand-alone display that are expected in 2018.</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>Disney announced during its latest earnings report it intends to pull all its movies from Netflix and launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service in 2019, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-pull-its-movies-from-netflix-and-start-its-own-streaming-services.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">CNBC</a>. It also will launch an ESPN video streaming service in early 2018, including MLB, NHL and MLS content.</p>

<p>Along with the fourth public beta of <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/8/8/apple-releases-fourth-public-beta-of-ios-11" rel="noopener noreferrer">iOS 11</a>, Apple has seeded the fourth macOS High Sierra and tvOS 11. The finished versions are due in the fall.</p>

<p>The U.S. International Trade Commission will <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/us-to-review-qualcomms-complaints-about-apple-iphone-patents.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">investigate</a> Qualcomm’s patent infringement claims against Apple. The goal is to complete the investigation within 45 days.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/08/08/iphone-8-to-enter-mass-production-in-mid-sept-launch-alongside-iphone-7s-come-in-3-colors" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider </a>— KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the “iPhone” 8 will launch on the same day as the “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus,” though — as you could have guessed — quantities may be limited. The key points in his note:</p>

<p>Apple has released the fourth public beta of iOS 11. or iPhone and iPad users. The finished version is due this fall and will be a free software update. </p>

<p>Trai, an Indian telecom regulator, is accusing Apple of engaging in "data colonization" in India and being "anti-consumer" by not allowing customers to pass on details about pesky calls and unwanted messages to authorities as well as their mobile operators, reports the <a target="_blank" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trai-raps-apple-for-colonising-data-in-india-says-its-anti-customer/articleshow/59961674.cms" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Times of India</em></a>. </p>

<p>FileMaker, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, has launchedits <a target="_blank" href="http://www.filemaker.com/learning/custom-app-academy/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Custom App Academy</a> and FileMaker Developer Conference videos designed to help individuals learn to build custom apps using the FileMaker Platform. It includes video tutorials with step-by-step guidance tailored to the learner's level.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,729,596) for “content pods for streaming media services.” Per the patent info, a “content pod” would be assembled to contain personal content relevant to an end user (that’s you).</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 9,723,997) for an electronic device (that would almost certainly be the iPhone) — that “computes health data.”</p>

<p>Deadline’s looming. Breakfast at the desk. Lunch at the desk. Dinner at the desk. Coffee and a donut from the break room at the desk as you finish the proposal of whatever you’ve been working on all day long.</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 has launched its Back to School promotion in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/browse/campaigns/education_pricing" rel="noopener noreferrer">Europe</a>. The deal is the same there as it is in the U.S.</p>

<p>France is working with Germany and other partners to plug loopholes that have allowed U.S. tech giants like Apple to minimize taxes and grab market share in Europe at the expense of the continent’s own companies, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-07/france-and-germany-plan-crackdown-on-tax-loopholes-used-by-apple" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>.</p>