Dennis Sellers

<p>A new <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gartner.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gartner</a> mobile apps survey shows that the number of consumers using messaging apps and personal assistant apps such as Apple’s Siri is continuing to grow. The survey showed that 35% of respondents said they used virtual personal assistants (VPAs) in 2016, up four percentage points from 2015. Seventy-one percent of respondents used messaging apps, a 3% increase in 2016.</p>

<p>The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, takes a trip. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, <em>Apple Daily Report</em>.</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>Apple is expected to unveil a revamped iPad line-up soon in the sizes of 9.7 inches, 12.9 inches and a new 10.5-inch model. The tablets were expected to be unveiled at a March event (though Apple has yet to announce such an event). However, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20170223PD209.html)" rel="noopener noreferrer">DigiTimes</a> says that the two larger models won’t arrive until May or June. </p>

<p>In early 2016, Apple discovered what it believed was a potential security vulnerability in at least one data center server it purchased from Super Micro Computer, reports <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theinformation.com/apple-severed-ties-with-server-supplier-after-security-concern?shared=516084" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Information</a>, quoting a Super Micro executive and two people who were briefed about the incident at Apple. </p>

<p>Apple says an iOS point update (10.2.1) that was released last month includes a bug fix for an issue causing iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus device owners to experience unexpected shutdowns. </p>

<p>I was fortunate enough last year to receive a press invite to test drive the Setapp beta. I was more than happy to roll up my sleeves and start using it.</p>

<p>By default, macOS Sierra’s Safari doesn’t show a website’s full address in the search field. If that bothers you, it’s easy to fix.</p>

<p>The AWT News Update is on hiatus while my compadre, Steve, takes a trip. In its place, I’ll offer a text-only (no podcast) summary of breaking stories with a tip o’ my hat to my former website, <em>Apple Daily Report</em>.</p>

<p>Apple has updated the iTunes Remote app for iPhones and iPads with support for two-factor authentication when signing in for Home Sharing. It’s a free app available at the <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itunes-remote/id284417350?mt=8" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apple App Store</a>.</p>

<p>RLJ Entertainment has announced the availability of the Urban Movie Channel (UMC) on the fourth generation Apple TV (4th Gen), following the recent launch of the service on the iOS platform for iPhones and iPads. </p>

<p>Apple plans to “significantly expand” its engineering operations in Seattle, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.geekwire.com/2017/exclusive-apple-expanding-its-seattle-engineering-center-making-a-big-bet-on-artificial-intelligence/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>GeekWire</em></a>. The tech giant shared new details about its Seattle operations and ambitions in advance of the University of Washington’s announcement this morning of a new $1 million endowed professorship in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the article adds.</p>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.harman.com%2F&esheet=51514734&newsitemid=20170223005923&lan=en-US&anchor=HARMAN+International+Industries&index=1&md5=4482074234dc328bdc890a6f6413ff7b" rel="noopener noreferrer">HARMAN International Industries</a> has announced the successful commercial implementation of Apple CarPlay integration through a wireless connection, which the company says is a first for the connected car industry. </p>

<p>B-Eng has introduced Password Manager, a free new password managing tool for macOS. It lets your organize passwords in groups with individual lists for each group, the creation of templates for both groups and entries and protection with either master password or fingerprint for Macs that support Touch ID. </p>

<p>Apple has been granted a patent (number 20170054774) by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for a <strong>“network media device,”</strong> which hints at an Apple NAS device/home server, something I’ve long wanted. </p>