Dennis Sellers

<p>The Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro is already pretty durable, but Apple wants to make it even more appealing. The company has been granted a patent (number 9,527,263) for a “stain proof textured fabric.”</p>

<p>The Japanese site, Mac Otakara, (as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/12/27/apple-rumored-to-introduce-5-iphone-7s-in-2017-with-vertical-dual-lens-array" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a>) says Apple will add a third form factor to its iPhone lineup in 2017, specifically a mid-sized 5-inch handset said to share internal components next year's 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch "s" cycle offerings. </p>

<p>There's an app for the Android platform — called, appropriately Android: Cal, that has a "Headsup" that I'd love to see implemented in iOS and macOS.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.libratone.com/">Libratone</a>'s first on-ear wireless headphones, the Q Adapt On-Ear, is one of the best audio products I’ve used. It’s flexible, comfortable and has fantastic sound quality. Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone at home, in the office, or on-the-go, this is a fine device.</p>

<p>RCS Software has released Combo Cleaner: Antivirus and System Optimizer 1.0.6, an antivirus and system optimization application for macOS 10.10 and higher. </p>

<p>For the first time ever, Consumer Reports has failed to recommend new models of Apple’s MacBook Pro line. The laptops did very well in measures of display quality and performance, but as far as battery life goes, <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/laptops/macbook-pros-fail-to-earn-consumer-reports-recommendation/">models "varied dramatically"</a> from one trial to the next.</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>Pokémon GO is now available for the Apple Watch, allowing you to explore and experience the world around you directly from your wrist.</p>

<p>The minute it was announced that Apple’s AirPods went on sale, I went to the Apple online store and ordered a pair. They arrived on Tuesday, Dec. 20, so I’ve been using them for three days. Overall, I really like them, though they do fall out of my ears when I run.</p>

<p>Future Apple Watches may be (surprise!) even thinner. Apple has filed for a patent (20160371942) for a “band attachment mechanism with haptic feedback” that would transfer the smartwatch's haptic feedback mechanism from the device’s body to its wrist strap.</p>

<p>Apple has introduced a new version of its Photos Web app for iCloud. It’s available to all users of <a href="http://iCloud.com">iCloud.com</a>.</p>

<p>When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he drastically simplified the product line-up. It’s time for the company to do the same again.</p>

<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://epson.com/For-Home/Printers/Inkjet/Epson-Expression-ET-3600-EcoTank-All-in-One-Supertank-Printer/p/C11CF73201" rel="noopener noreferrer">Epson WorkForce ET-3660 EcoTank</a> wireless all-in-one comes loaded and ready with up to two years of ink in the box. Or so says Epson. However, its predecessor, the ET-4550, did exactly that. In fact, in over a year, I’ve never replaced an ink cartridge.</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 widely quoted <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-20/how-apple-alienated-mac-loyalists">Bloomberg report</a>, quoting unnamed “people familiar with Apple’s inner workings,” says the “Mac team has lost clout with the famed industrial design group led by Jony Ive and the company's software team.” I don’t know if this is true or not. For all I know, Apple’s design guru may spend 25 hours a day thinking of ways to make better Macs.</p>