Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 2017001428) for the “marking of a fabric carrying case for a portable electronic device.” The marking is a funky looking twist on the Apple logo and is apparently designed for an iPhone carrying case.</p>

<p>Time for Apple to take Siri, its personal digital assistant, to the next level. Why? Your kids may not always listen to you but soon your smart home will. A new survey from <a href="http://www.coldwellbanker.com/?utm_source=smarthomesurvey&utm_medium=public_relations&utm_campaign=smarthome">Coldwell Banker Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.vivint.com/">Vivint Smart Home</a> found Americans are ready to embrace using voice control, with an increasing number already using the feature.</p>

<p>Mohu has launched Mohu AirWave, a wireless, over-the-air (OTA) and over-the-top (OTT) device that integrates live, local broadcast TV with free streaming channels across streaming devices, including Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android, iOS and more. </p>

<p>Worldwide combined shipments of personal computers (PCs), tablets, ultramobiles and mobile phones are projected to remain flat in 2017, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gartner.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gartner, Inc</a>. Worldwide shipments for these devices are projected to total 2.3 billion in 2017, the same as 2016 estimates, adds the research group.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.robo3d.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robo</a> is introducing an iOS app for 3D printing with its new smart Wi-Fi enabled 3D printers. The app lets you connect and print right from your iPhone or iPad, monitor the progress of every print in real time, manage multiple prints and printers at once, connect to cloud libraries and access thousands of 3D models, make in-app purchases (filaments, accessories, print kits and more) and get access to 24/7 support and helpful tutorials.</p>

<p>Apple has confirmed its US$1 billion investment in SoftBank's $100 billion SoftBank Vision Fund. Through the investment, the company likely hopes to gain insight on emerging technologies.</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.kanex.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kanex </a>announced its GoPlay Series of portable wireless game controllers for iOS at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. GoPlay SideKick, the first in the series, is a pocket-sized wireless game controller for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. </p>

<p><a href="http://www.carrier.com/carrier/en/us/">Carrier</a> say its Côr thermostat is now compatible with Apple HomeKit. HomeKit is a framework that allows control of compatible home automation devices through iOS and Siri.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.lacie.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">LaCie</a> announced updates to its LaCie Rugged and d2 storage solutions at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.  The new LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C — available in capacities up to 5TB — combines iconic Rugged toughness with USB-C compatibility and fast Thunderbolt speeds. </p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nuheara.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nuheara</a> has debuted its flagship product, IQbuds at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. It’s now shipping the US$299 "hearable" solution to those who placed pre-orders in 2016.</p>

<p>At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lynxtechnology.com%2Fhome&esheet=51480115&newsitemid=20170104005003&lan=en-US&anchor=Lynx+Technology&index=1&md5=5df71761ba741037a3bfaed303c92e7d">Lynx Technology</a>  announced its entrance into the Smart Home market with <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lynxtechnology.com%2Fsmart-home&esheet=51480115&newsitemid=20170104005003&lan=en-US&anchor=SmartLynx+1.0&index=2&md5=ca49a25b89cbab71a69604288f3f9948">SmartLynx 1.0</a>, a Smart Home connectivity solution that comes in Mac, Windows, and Linux versions.</p>

<p>At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.idevicesinc.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">iDevices</a> is introducing Instant Switch, a remote wireless, Bluetooth Smart wall switch that allows users to designate additional points of power control anywhere in the home, with no installation or wiring required. </p>

<p>The Vault by Pelican ProGear is an extreme protection case for the iPad Air and iPad mini with retina display found. It's geared for the extreme user and the accident-prone alike. </p>

<p>As noted by the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mobilenapps.com/articles/27759/20161230/amd-drops-hints-upcoming-next-gen-vega-gpu-architecture.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mobile & Apps website</a>, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) dropped a teaser through its official Twitter account for Radeon that says, "New Year. New architecture," referencing to its next-gen Vega GPU architecture. I think these will be available in the March rev of the iMac and, perhaps, a new Mac Pro.</p>