Dennis Sellers

<p class="">Future Apple Watch could have built-in user ID, so you won’t have to enter a passcode to unlock the smart watch. Apple has been granted a patent for a “wearable electronic device having a light field camera usable to perform bioauthentication from a dorsal side of a forearm near a wrist.”</p>

<p class="">On Oct. 13, Apple unveiled four new iPhone 12 models — the 5.4-inch iPhone 12 Mini, 6.1-inch iPhone 12, 6.1-inch iPhone 12 Pro, and 6.7-inch iPhone 12 Pro Max. The tech giant also announced that the new smartphones won’t come with a charger and earphones out of the box.</p>

<p class="">Eve Light Strip, the smart LED strip by <a href="http://www.evehome.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eve Systems</a>, is reportedly the first product to improve their users’ well-being through HomeKit Adaptive Lighting.</p>

<p class="">European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager has warned against pushing for the structural break up of tech companies during a debate around the future of Internet regulation in the European Union, reports <a href="http://briefings" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Information</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple is "stepping up efforts" to develop its own search technology, according to the <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/fd311801-e863-41fe-82cf-3d98c4c47e26" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Financial Times</a> (a subscription is required to read the entire article). Doubtless part of the reason is the U.S. antitrust authorities look into the tech giant’s billions-of-dollars deal with Google that keeps Google's search engine the default option on Apple devices.</p>

<p class="">In iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, Maps offers new cycling directions IF your city is supported. Right now that includes the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York City, and several cities in China. Apple says that number is expanding.</p>

<p class="">mophie, a ZAGG Brands company, has announced the US$79.99 <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=0rolmbPXmcGnpzAKBfHk-Xe-vAkisGrzw4-pORalBCQZ63OpWrHQd-rbP1TXJTnAzwNktYiKgH6GcJR_xx8X5oXIE2629w9lgrUF7qfz5uE="><span style="text-decoration:underline">juice pack</span></a><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=n6ZKudWleokndhcANnB373E_5ZnFeY84f7bKrW7cvpCnVVXWCC51R5Q9W0mwIpy-cbaM6KwCFwsrWBUzglbJvw=="><span style="text-decoration:underline"> </span></a><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=yXGAcdlfFgw0cLkfb-0LDvuw3tYJixd9Qk7jj3IwBu3Ams8OgZ--3odBaDLiZEg0FB7MSb0VXWI4uP89PC3xjxy-1FIFoW_mz5jzle15mpc="><span style="text-decoration:underline">connect</span></a> modular system that allows users to charge their phone on demand using the detachable battery feature.</p>

<p class="">On the <a href="http://www.macvoices.com/macvoices-20244-iphone-12-and-homepod-mini-analysis-with-adam-engst-and-apple-cider-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">new episode of MacVoices</a> host Chuck Joiner makes another Apple User Group virtual visit with Adam Engst of TidBITS, this time to Apple CIDER in New York.</p>

<p class="">Apple and Jon Stewart (former host of the Daily Show) are teaming up to launch a current affairs series on Apple TV+, according to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/jon-stewart-returns-with-current-affairs-series-for-apple-exclusive" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Hollywood Reporter.</a></p>

<p class="">Earlier this year Apple acquired Vilynx (pronounced “VEE-links"), a startup specializing in advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision technology that may help the tech giant improve its own artificial intelligence (AI) across a number of apps and services, reports <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-27/apple-buys-self-learning-ai-video-startup-to-improve-apps" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bloomberg</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,817,126) for a “3D document editing system.” It would work with a keyboard and the rumored “Apple Glasses,” an augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality head-mounted display (HMD).</p>

<p class="">The first iMac powered by Apple Silicon will arrive in the first half of 2021 and will feature a "A14T" chip, according to Chinese-language newspaper <a href="https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20201026000140-260202?chdtv">The China Times</a>.</p>

<p class="">Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,819,962) for a “method of and system for projecting digital information on a real object in a real environment.” It involves a head-mounted projector hat looks pretty awkward to me.</p>

<p class="">On October 19, it was announced that Apple TV+ has teamed up with WildBrain, along with Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Film Productions, to become the home for all things “Peanuts,” bringing together new original series and specials, along with beloved specials to fans around the world, all in one place. However, some folks aren’t happy about the content being exclusive to Apple.</p>

<p class="">The relationship between Apple and its long-time manufacturing partner, Foxconn, is eroding, according to <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-apples-eroding-partnership-with-foxconn?utm_source=ti_app" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Informatio</a>n.</p>