Dennis Sellers

<p>Apple has “quietly” taken over ownership of iCloud.net, <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/21/apple-quietly-bought-icloud-net-domain-shuts-down-eponymous-social-network/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TechCrunch</a> reports. Previously, the Internet domain belonged to a small-time Asian social network site; however, it’s telling its users that it will be shutting down by the end of this month.</p>

<p>I'm not sure how often this actually happens, but there <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/macbook-webcam-spy-hack-2013-12" rel="noopener noreferrer">have been reports</a> that hackers can use your computer's webcam to watch you, including the FaceTime camera on Macs. The simplest solution is to cover the camera with a sticker. However, that's not ideal for aesthetic reasons. Plus, it could leave residue behind. </p>

<p>Wouldn't it be nice if you could tweak the interface that appears when you log into your account at the Apple App Store (for iOS) and the Mac App Store (for macOS)?</p>

<p>Apple has updated Logic Pro X — its macOS software for professional songwriting, editing, and mixing — to version 10.3.1. According to Apple, the upgrade:</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 has released a third public beta of iOS 10.3 and a third public beta of macOS Sierra 10.12.4. If you're not already signed up for the public beta program, <a target="_blank" href="https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/" rel="noopener noreferrer">you can do so here</a>. The public beta program is free, but remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.</p>

<p>The Apple Watch 3 will probably switch from touch-on-lens (TOL) technology to a glass-film option, according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20170220PD204.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">DigiTimes</a>. With TOL, the touch technology is applied on the back side of the cover glass to eliminate the need for a separate touch panel. </p>

<p>In a research note provided to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.appleinsider.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">AppleInsider</a>, Cowen & Company analyst Timothy Arcuri from Cowen and Company predicts that wireless charging appear in the upcoming "iPhone 8,” but he doesn’t think it will involve Energous technology. Arcuri notes that there are chip sets and supporting gear intended for mobile devices that support both Qi and Airfuel, two different wirelesss charging technologies. </p>

<p>Apple could release an app that allows you to create your own avatars. The company has been granted a patent (number 9,576,400) for an <strong>“avatar editing environment.” </strong>It would allow you to create custom avatars for use in online games and other applications. (An avatar is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_representation">graphical representation</a> of the user or the user's alter ego or character.)</p>

<p>In a note to clients — as noted by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.macrumors.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">MacRumors</a> — KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the “iPhone 8” will sport a “revolutionary,” front-facing camera based on technology from PrimeSense, a company Apple bought in 2013. The camera system will consist of three models are enable 3D sensing capabilities, he writes. </p>

<p>The great thing about using a laptop is that it’s easy to work anywhere — at least in theory. I’m using a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. When I’m away from my desk, balancing it on my lap is awkward (and can make my legs a little toasty). Enter the $100 Slate Mobile LapDesk from <a target="_blank" href="http://iSkelter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">iSkelter</a>.</p>

<p>It’s easy to manage windows on the macOS Sierra Desktop. The Desktop is the area behind the windows and the Dock; it isn’t a window, yet it acts like one.</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>Last May <a target="_blank" href="https://appleworld.dreamhosters.com/blog/2016/5/24/rumor-apple-is-working-on-an-amazon-echo-rival-and-siri-sdk" rel="noopener noreferrer">it was reported </a>that Apple was working on "an Amazon Echo-like device with a speaker and microphone that people can use to turn on music, get news headlines or set a timer” that will be powered by Siri, its personal digital assistant. However, now <a target="_blank" href="http://time.com/4674522/apple-echo-amazon-siri-iphone-airpods/" rel="noopener noreferrer">TIME</a> says Apple isn’t building an Amazon Echo rival.</p>

<p>Apple has reportedly ceased development of new version of its AirPort Base Station and Tim Capsule. However, the routers remain popular, well-designed products, and you can beef ‘em up with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.quickertek.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">QuickerTek's</a> wireless antenna upgrades. The company has announced a new 5TB hard drive upgrade for the Apple AirPort Time Capsule. It also features six external antennas.</p>