Dennis Sellers

<p>Who knows if Apple will ever release an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR headset, although there have been patents for (what I’ve dubbed) <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2017/3/14/patent-report-iglasses-macs-with-gesture-recognition-future-carplay-systems?rq=iGlasses" rel="noopener noreferrer">“iGlasses</a>. However, new device launches, an expanding array of content for both consumer and enterprise users, and lower price points will propel the worldwide augmented and virtual reality headset device market at a breakneck pace, says the IDC research group. </p>

<p>Apple has been granted another patent (number 20170076077) involving facial recognition. This one is dubbed “locking and unlocking a mobile device using facial recognition.”</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fantag.live" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fantag</a>, a company that specializes in mobile video technology, has hired John Stone as its chief operating officer (COO). Among his many posts in the tech world, he served as a vice president at Apple, reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook, after the company acquired PowerSchool, a startup Stone co-founded in 1999 and which today serves 100 million users in 70 countries. </p>

<p>If you buy an iPhone you now have up to one year to purchase AppleCare+ for the device, compared to 60 days previously, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors</a>. This means you can now add AppleCare+ to an Apple smartphone as long as it remains within its standard one-year limited warranty period. </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>As noted by <a target="_blank" href="https://9to5mac.com/2017/03/17/apple-music-ambassador-program-details/" rel="noopener noreferrer">9to5Mac</a>, Apple has launched an Apple Music “Ambassador” marketing campaign, recruiting students and offering them perks in exchange for promoting its music streaming service and recruiting others in a <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MusicForEveryMinute?src=hash" rel="noopener noreferrer">“Music For Every Minute” promo.</a></p>

<p>Soverain Software, a “patent troll,” <a target="_blank" href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/03/16/infamous-patent-troll-soverain-software-targets-apple-products-and-services-in-new-lawsuit" rel="noopener noreferrer">has filed a complaint</a> against Apple in the Eastern District Court of Texas for alleged infringement of IP relating to Internet-based services. The company claims Apple infringes its data extraction and network management patent portfolio. </p>

<p>Apple shares hit a record closing high in Nasdaq trading Thursday, reaching $140.69. That beats the company’s previous all-time closing high of $140.46 — which was accomplished earlier this week.</p>

<p>Apple has announced plans to set up two new R&D centers in China. The hubs will be located in Shanghai and Suzhou, following previous plans to open two centers in Beijing and Shenzhen.</p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 20170074675) for augmented reality maps, which hints at changes in a future version of its Maps app on the iPhone and iPad. </p>

<p>Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Hopefully, you’re wearing something green and checking out some macOS and iOS apps to celebrate.</p>

<p>Apple News has become the most effective third-party platform at driving readers to <em>The Telegraph’s</em> own sites and app, reports <a target="_blank" href="http://digiday.com/media/apple-news-the-telegraph/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Digiday</a>. Available on iOS devices (and, hopefully, on macOS at some point), </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>New data from <a target="_blank" href="https://sensortower.com/blog/imessage-app-store-six-months-later" rel="noopener noreferrer">SensorTower</a> says that the iMessage App Store has almost 5,000 apps six months after Apple opened the store; however, growth is slowing.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.wepay.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">WePay </a>— a provider of integrated payments for online platforms including Constant Contact, GoFundMe, and Zoho — has announced that its customers can now use Apple Pay on the Web and Google's Android Pay on the Web to generate more revenue on their sites.</p>