Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has acquired its fourth machine learning company since 2015, purchasing India-based company Tuplejump, reports <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/22/apple-acquires-another-machine-learning-company-tuplejump/"><em>TechCrunch</em></a>. It’s a a data mining and analysis platform specializes in bigdata, data engineering, apache cassandra and apache spark.</p>

<p>Oberthur Technologies, which specializes in secure payment technologies, has been selected by JCB — is a credit card company based in Tokyo, Japan — for the launch of Apple Pay in Japan. </p>

<p>OWC has launched the Mac compatible, $89.95 <a href="https://www.owcdigital.com/products/external-storage/usb-drive-dock-overview">USB 3.1 Gen 1 Drive Dock</a>, a tool for creative professionals such as photographers, videographers, and music producers. It’s a solution for those who need constant access to multiple drives, providing a quick and easy way to access data, archive files, perform backups and more.</p>

<p>In an email alert — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/09/21/apple-to-open-first-mexican-retail-outlet-on-sept-24" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a> — Apple invited customers to attend the grand opening of its first retail outlet in Mexico, scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Centro Santa Fe mall. </p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 201602755475) for “group peer-to-peer financial transactions.” With macOS Sierra, Mac users can now pay online in Safari using a “Pay with Apple Pay” button, and authenticate their purchase using Touch ID on their phone or watch. Soon owners of iOS and macOS devices may be able to easily send electronic cash to each other.</p>

<p>Everyone who has ever tried to watch a full movie on an iPhone will probably agree that it's not the best way to see the latest blockbuster. On the other hand, a smartphone works just fine when you're watching a funny YouTube clip while commuting home from work. </p>

<p>Sometimes it’s nice to do some thorough housecleaning on your Mac. This could mean doing a “clean install.” A clean install is a software installation in which any previous version — and all its files — are completely eradicated.</p>

<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/DKnight-MagicBox-Bluetooth-Enhancement-Technology/dp/B01E318R1K" rel="noopener noreferrer">DKnight Big MagicBox</a> portable Bluetooth speaker offers surprisingly sound considering its low (under $60) price, though it won’t appeal to audiophiles. Then, again, that’s not the target audience. </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>First it was the <em>The Financial Times</em> <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/523422ba-7ffd-11e6-8e50-8ec15fb462f4">reporting</a> Apple has approached McLaren Technology Group, the British supercar engineer and Formula One team owner, about a potential acquisition (which McLaren denies). Now a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/22/technology/apple-is-said-to-hold-talks-with-mclaren-and-lit-motors.html?src=busln&_r=1">New York Times write-up claims</a> Apple is in talks with <a href="http://litmotors.com/">Lit Motors</a> regarding a possible acquisition. Both parties have denied comment.</p>

<p>You can download and install macOS Sierra from the Mac App Store. However, you may want to create a bootable macOS Sierra USB drive, although this isn’t as easy as it should be.</p>

<p>A federal jury in Delaware has hit Apple with a $3 million damages verdict Wednesday after ruling that some of the company’s iPhone models infringe a MobileMedia Ideas owned patent covering incoming phone call alert sounds. MobileMedia sued Apple in 2010, claiming it infringed 14 patents for electronics. </p>

<p>The <em>Financial Times</em> <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/523422ba-7ffd-11e6-8e50-8ec15fb462f4">reports</a> via its subscription-only website that Apple has approached McLaren Technology Group, the British supercar engineer and Formula One team owner, about a potential acquisition, “in the clearest sign yet that the iPhone maker is seeking to transform the automotive industry.” However, McLaren has <a href="https://twitter.com/CNBCnow/status/778637305292685313">issued a statement in response</a>, rejecting the report and denying any discussions with Apple about a potential investment.</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/09/21/apple-seen-building-75m-iphone-7-units-by-end-of-2016-focusing-on-7-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a> — J.P. Morgan's Asia Pacific research team says closer to 75 million units by the end of the year instead of a previous estimate of 70 million.</p>

<p>The latest release of wearable device data from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kantarworldpanel.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kantar Worldpanel ComTec</a>h shows that, as of July 2016, 15.2% of U.S. consumers own either a smartwatch or fitness band, with the EU4 (Great Britain, Germany, France, and Italy) following behind at 8.1% penetration. </p>