Dennis Sellers

<p>According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/wearables/market-data/report-detail/global-smartwatch-vendor-market-share-by-region-q4-2016#.WJIqzlOLSUl" rel="noopener noreferrer">global smartwatch shipments grew 1% annually</a> to hit a record 8.2 million units in the fourth quarter of 2016. Apple Watch drove growth and dominated with 63% global smartwatch marketshare, while Samsung maintained second position.</p>

<p>Apple, Alphabet, Facebook, Uber, Stripe and other companies have teamed up to pen a letter opposing U.S. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/us/politics/trump-syrian-refugees.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">President Trump’s travel ban</a> that suspends travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.recode.net/2017/2/1/14480988/google-apple-facebook-joint-letter-opposing-trump-travel-ban" rel="noopener noreferrer">re/code</a>. Here’s a draft of the letter:</p>

<p>Shell cases are great for keeping the exterior of your MacBook Pro scratch-free. Beside preserving your laptop’s life, it also improves resale value down the road (who wants a dinged-up laptop?). <a target="_blank" href="https://www.moshi.com/iglaze-for-macbook-pro-15-with-touch-bar#stealth-clear" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moshi’s iGlaze Pro 15</a> is, as far as I know, the first shell for the new MacBook Pros with Touch Bar.</p>

<p>I’ve said before that it’s only a matter of time until all of Apple’s hardware devices will be powered by ARM-based processors, including the Mac. A<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-01/apple-developing-new-mac-chip-in-test-of-intel-independence" rel="noopener noreferrer"> new Bloomberg report</a>, quoting unnamed “people familiar with the matter,” says Apple is designing a new chip for future Mac laptops that would take on more of the functionality currently handled by Intel processors.</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>Twelve South has released a new model of its <a href="https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/bookarc-for-macbook-pro-retina">BookArc</a> — which allows you to run your setup from the power of your Mac laptop while in closed clamshell mode — that supports the 2016 MacBook Pros.</p>

<p>Google has overtaken Apple as the world’s most valuable brand. Google’s brand value rose by 24% during 2016 (from $88.2 billion to US$109.4 billion) whilst Apple’s declined from $145.9 billion to $107.1 billion, according to the latest Brand Finance Global 500 report. Google last occupied the position of the world’s most valuable brand in 2011. </p>

<p>Apple has released AirPods firmware 3.5.1. <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/02/01/apple-pushes-airpods-firmware-351-to-synchronized-iphones-with-minor-bug-fixes" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a> says it’s probably already been downloaded to a synchronized device. </p>

<p>CEO Tim Cook has told the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-considers-legal-options-against-trumps-immigration-order-1485925005"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a> that hundreds of Apple’s employees have been affected by President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, and says that the company is considering taking legal action.</p>

<p>Apple shipped 78.3 million iPhones in the fourth quarter of the year, moving it ahead of Samsung (by about 800,000 more smartphone units) to recapture the top global position among smartphone manufacturers, reports <a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170131006472/en/Strategy-Analytics-Global-Smartphone-Shipments-Hit-Record">Strategy Analytics</a>. The research group says Apple has 18% of the worldwide market.</p>

<p>According to the latest market share survey from <a target="_blank" href="http://netmarkeshare.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">NetMarketShare</a>, the market share for both macOS and iOS rose in January.</p>

<p>Animated images -- otherwise known as GIFs -- have been around for 25 years, but they saw a resurgence of popularity in 2013. If you want to make your own, PicGIF from Pearl Mountain offers a quick, easy solution. </p>

<p>Except for the iPad and Apple TV, Apple is firing on all cylinders (at least fiscally), posting great financial results for its fiscal 2017 first quarter that ended Dec. 31, 2016. The company made $7.17 billion with its Services category (Apple Pay, AppleCare, iCloud, online stores, and more). </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><a target="_blank" href="http://www.twelvesouth.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twelve South</a> has released the $34.99 MagicBridge. Much like its predecessor, the MagicWand, the MagicBridge connects your Apple Wireless Keyboard and your Magic Trackpad 2, creating a one-piece control surface.</p>