Apple responds to issue with HomePod staining wood surfaces

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple's HomePod has started to ship to customers in the US, UK and Australia and while many seem to be delighted by the audio quality and elegance of this diminutive speaker, others aren't too thrilled to discover that the HomePod's plastic ring at its base leaves circular marks on wood surfaces. See Apple's reply below.

"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," Apple says. "The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface." Apple says the marks recede after a few days or users can simply wipe or treat their wood surfaces to remove the marks. If all fails, Apple's suggestion is “placing your HomePod on a different surface.”

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iPhone still the top-seller in Q4 2017 says Strategy Analytics

So, Apple sold fewer iPhones in Q4 2017 than the year before and that's while having both the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in steady supply. The dip in sales is alarming to some because it is the first time in the iPhone's history that it's decreased year over year. There's various reasons that analysts are trying to determine as the cause. Higher price of the iPhone X, confusion or indecision in choosing between iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, uncertainty about the lack of of Touch ID on the X, the list goes on.

Despite this, Apple still had record earnings and now Strategy Analytics is telling us the entire smartphone industry has taken a 9 per cent decline in 2017. This is mostly attributed to a 16 percent decline in demand from China, the biggest smartphone market in the world.

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Apple reportedly delaying iOS visual enhancements to focus on performance and stability

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

A report today says that Apple is foregoing a visual update to iOS to focus on performance and stability enhancements on stability and security. Apple's iOS hasn't had a major visual overhaul since 2013 with iOS 7.

A report from Axios states that Apple's engineers will focus on improving performance, battery life as well as security will receive attention over visual redesign and a new look. This includes delaying some interface features, new photo-taking features, photo editing and sharing features. The iPhones 8 and X are already superior cameras, delaying new features this year won't make an impact.

I think this is a great move. iOS 11 has been generally a good update when used with new devices but seems to show its cracks when running on older iPhones or iPads. This is a case where the plumbing and electrical systems require repair before Apple can consider adding a new facade and splash of fresh paint. 

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Apple's Tim Cook makes first visit to Canada, surprises students in Apple Store

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple CEO Tim Cook made his first visit to Toronto, Canada. Cook surprised students at the popular Apple Store in the Eaton Centre, one of the country's busiest malls. The unnanounced visit took staff, customers and students by surprise. Cook also thanked app developers, who were running a coding clinic for their contributions to the Apple ecosystem.

The students in question were a class of Grade 7 Students in Toronto's east end who were programming robots dancing on tables using Apple's Swift Playgrounds app on the iPad. Apple opened its Everyone Can Code initiative late last year and this focuses on making technology accessible so virtually anyone can create apps and solutions.

Canada is an extremely important market for us. We have a great team in Canada," Cook said in an interview with The National Post.

There are 120,000 Canadian jobs directly related to Apple's iOS and App Store ecosystem, the company said.