Apple has unveiled its 2017 “charts and trends”, celebrating the most popular apps, music and movies at the App Store, Apple Music and iTunes.

The folks responsible for those three online retail outlets say it was “a huge year” for entertainment as they continued to introduce new content from indie artists and developers.

“Apple brings customers a diverse breadth of entertainment content, while giving artists and creative people a global platform to express themselves and find new audiences,” the tech giant said this week in a press release.

OH, THOSE APPS

Four breakout trends for 2017 were the introduction of augmented-reality apps and games, the rise of real-time competitive gaming, apps focused on mental health and mindfulness, and apps transforming storytelling and reading.

This year, millions of iPhone and iPad users around the world gained access to groundbreaking AR technology.

There was My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR, bringing the classic children’s book character to life, right on people’s coffee tables.

Games were also a big highlight, with Amon and AR Dragon getting notable attention.

REALTIME REVELRY

This year the App Store became home to some of the most-played multiplayer games in the world. Standouts from previous years like Clash Royale and Hearthstone’s Knights of the Frozen Throne expansion were joined by new experiences like Art of War: Red Tides, Stormbound, Guns of Boom Mixes 3D and Modern Combat Versus.

MEANINGFUL MIND

Apple says it has seen a tremendous surge in apps focused specifically on mental health, mindfulness and stress reduction.

Popular mindfulness apps in the region such as colouring-book apps Bloom and Lake tackle destressing a bit more actively, while meditation app Zen Studio contributed to this growing list.

HOUSE FAVOURITES

Besides the app charts based on real downloads by users of iPhones and iPads, the App Store editors picked their favourite applications of the year.

They decided the iPhone App of the Year was Enlight Videoleap, the iPhone Game of the Year Splitter Critters, the iPad App of the Year Affinity Photo and the iPad Game of the Year Old Man’s Journey.

And the App Store editors also made lists in the categories of Trends, Top Apps, Top Games and Favourite Stickers.

TOP TRENDS

AR (augmented reality) has been the main trend of 2017. The editors feel the four best AR apps were Euclidean Lands, which is a game, FirmAR Easy Video Editor, Ikea Place, which lets you virtually “place” products in your space, and Insight Heart, which illustrates heart functions.

CHAMPION CHARTS

According to the editors, the top 10 apps in the App Store this year were Bitmoji, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, Google Maps, Netflix, Spotify Music and Uber.

GREAT GAMES

Apple says the top 10 games of 2017 were Super Mario Run, 8 Ball Pool, Snake VS Block, Ballz, Word Cookies, Subway Surfers, Episode featuring Pitch Perfect, Rolling Sky, Block Hexa Puzzle and Paper.io.

SENSATIONAL STICKERS

The App Store editors’ favourite stickers were Avocado Stickers, Catty Animated Stickers, Vogue, 8-bit Super Mario Stickers, Crazy Freggies, Dov-QQfamily, Mr Pistachio, Flaky the Feline, Sassy Sloths and Fennec Fox Makku (animated).

MAKE IT MUSIC

According to the Top Charts 2017 of music on Apple Music and iTunes, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” – an infectious track about the dizzying thrill of new love – was the Top Song of 2017.

And the Top Album was “Divide (Deluxe)”, also by Sheeran. He reacted by saying, “Really happy everyone has enjoyed the album this year. Thanks to all who streamed and downloaded.”

TUNE IN TO FILM

Apple’s top movie genres this year were action and superhero films.

According to the Top Charts 2017, the top 19 films movies downloaded by Thai users were “Wonder Woman”, “Doctor Strange”, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, “Fast & Furious 8”, “SpiderMan: Homecoming”, “Beauty and the Beast, “Moana”, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2”, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”, and “The Great Wall”.

CALL FOR AN APP

Apple says the top 10 free iPhone apps – the most downloaded – were Messenger, Facebook, Line, YouTube’s Watch Listen Stream, JOOX Music – Live and Karaoke, Instagram, Shopee, Camera360 – Selfie Sticker Cam, Google Maps – GPS Navigation and Lazada.

The top 10 paid iPhone apps were Pastel Keyboard Themes Color, Gudak Cam, Analog Paris, LightX, Kirakira+, Glitches, Analog London, Plotagraph+ Photo Animator, Analog Tokyo and Scanner for Me + OCR.

The 10 most-downloaded free iPhone games were Garena RoV, Super Mario Run, QuizClash, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Cookie Run: OvenBreak, Line Let’s Get Rich, Candy Crush Saga, Snake vs Block, Toy Blast and Subway Surfers.

The most-downloaded free iPad apps were YouTube, Line, Facebook, Messenger, Google, Google Chrome, Calculator, Google Maps, Lazada and Gmail.

The most-downloaded paid iPad apps were GoodNotes 4, Notability, Human Anatomy Atlas 2018, Procreate Pastel Keyboard Themes Color, Duet Display, GoodReader, Notepad+ Pro, Video Now Player and Pixelmator.

The most-download free iPad games were Garena RoV, Super Mario Run, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Cookie Run: OvenBreak, Hide.io, Subway Surfers, War Robots, Slither.io, Bowmasters Multiplayer Game and Toy Blast.

AN OUTSPOKEN ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajarakiti- yabha has a pet royal project of her own – encouraging young people to get involved in sports instead of illegal drugs.

The Princess’ birthday on December 7 was a fitting time to spread the word about the collective efforts of the Nabha Foundation, the Princess Bajarakitiyabha Royal Project known as R908, and the BBG Club.

The exhibition “Nabha: The Secret Scenes” coincided with the BBG Princess Cup table tennis competition.

The public is more familiar with Princess Bajarakitiyabha’s Kamlangjai project – the name means “support and encouragement” – which helps people caught up in the criminal justice system who are considered vulnerable, including women in prison and pregnant inmates and children born to inmates.

Less well known, the Nabha Foundation was established in 2014 in the belief that, while people can’t choose the circumstances into which they’re born, everyone deserves the right to choose how they live.

Opening the event, the Princess said she was pleased that government and the private sector recognise the importance of ensuring that people have the opportunity to improve their lives and make amendments for their mistakes.

“There are many people who are lack acceptance in this society,” she said. “I appreciate the generous support and good intentions, which will ultimately make the country more peaceful. Youth is the key to the country’s and the world’s development. They will bring about the creativity and innovation we need.”

When youth is led astray and falls foul of the law, it has to be a “major concern” for society, she said, and sporting endeavours represent a valuable tool for making sure they aren’t led astray.

“Sport not only builds strength, discipline and social harmony, but it also creates confidence and teaches us how to lose as well as win. It teaches perseverance and the importance of practice to build skills, and that process equips them with good judgement that will serve them throughout their lives.”

Foundation vice president Ekaphop Detkriangkraisorn said its main focus initially was to give current and former prison inmates the chance to start new lives.

“People might think we were fully equipped with a headquarters and everything, but in fact we started in a humble office, just three by four metres, with two computers. You can see a model of it in this exhibition.

“But we’re now thankful for that small start, because it reminded us that you can always give people opportunities, no matter what the circumstances,” he said. “What’s important is to start fast so you can help more people. So we’ve expanded our scale of support to young people who are at risk of making mistakes in their lives, like kids from broken homes or living in foster homes.”

The foundation’s logo resembles the infinity symbol, signifying infinite opportunities. The name Nabha itself is a homophone of “napa”, the Pali word for infinite blue sky and representing endless forgiveness. As well, “na” means “here” and “bha” is an abbreviation of the Princess’ name. Together, the name is taken to mean “Living here with Her Royal Highness and move forward together with the Nabha Foundation.

“We provide effective integrated learning and training courses to inmates, giving them skills and the potential to manufacture high-quality products, which are sold under Nabha’s supervision,” Ekabhop explained. “We believe they can in this way regain their confidence and have the potential to earn a living once released.

“We recognise the importance of giving those who are disadvantaged a chance, without any prejudice. People can see from the high quality of the products they make that these inmates deserve to be forgiven. Everyone should be open-minded and show them respect so they’ll be encouraged to devote themselves to doing good deeds for society.”

The products are sold under the brand names Chann and Tra, which derive from “channtra”, Pali for the moon – a sight that prison inmates rarely get to see.

The royal project designated R908 helps underprivileged people in remote areas of Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Bua Lamphu.

And the BBG Club (Bounce Be Good), just started this year, combines the Bounce Be Good project, Young Table Tennis the Way of Change, and Young Badminton the Way of Change.

“Princess Bajarakittiyabha uses sport as a way to give young people a better chance in life,” Ekabhop said. “She knew that table tennis was a fun sport and that you don’t need a lot of space to play.

“So we started from there, and now we’re expanding into foster homes and getting the general public more involved. Any youngsters who show potential are invited to live in the BBG house, where they undergo training while living in a home |they can call their own. Each year we plan to train 230 to 270 youths, right up to competition standard.

“The BBG Club being granted royal patronage has been a big help. We now have seven professional table tennis players in the club and one badminton pro. Kids who love either sport but aren’t particularly good at them can be trained for related careers, such as referees or coaches, so they too will have sufficient income and get a boost in their self-esteem.

“At the Nabha Foundation we work hard every day, because we feel, if we delay giving disadvantaged youth the opportunities they need, we might lose them for good.”

It’s in Siam Paragon’s Royal Paragon Hall on Saturday and Sunday (December 16-17), each day from 10am to 8pm.

“The idea is to motivate people to work out so they can have a healthy lifestyle – we want to be an inspiration for others,” says Vuthithorn “Woody” Milintachinda, the famed TV host and president of Woody World.

“Getting inspiration to push us forward to achieve success is very important, so that’s why I created this event. We want to help people lose weight by following the suggestions of leading trainers. Fit Fest is likely to revolutionise their way of life.”

The participating trainers are responsible for the fit and firm bodies of many celebrities. Anan “Jun” Apinan has coached Kwan Usamanee, Golf Pichaya, Mak Prin, Bebe Thanchanok, Ice Preechaya and Grace Kanklao.

Nonnathada “Cherry” Ammat has given guidance to Araya A Hargate, Patcharasri “Kalamare” Benjamas, Ann Thongprasom and Kimberly Ann Voltemas.

Jirawat “Tim” Trakoonma is guru to Micky Woo and the Thailand Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Association.

On entering the festival, attendees are first assessed for weight, metabolism and muscle mass. Then it’s on to the workouts.

The “Build” zone is where you build those muscles, the “Bite” zone for learning about healthy food, and the “Burn” for losing that fat and getting rid of calories the right way.

There’ll be classes in zumba, yoga, trampoline and stretching as lessons called Kangoo, Surfset, and Abs and Bootie.

There’ll also be a contest with big cash prizes awaiting five winners – Strong Man, Best Abs by Hotman Factory, Arm Wrestling by BB Gym, and F45 Playoffs Man and Women.

Learn more at http://www.Facebook.com/FITFESTASIA.

In the year that Donald Trump’s inauguration triggered nationwide women’s protests and powerful men were toppled by a firestorm of sexual misconduct allegations, the leading US dictionary named “feminism” its word of 2017.

Merriam-Webster bestows the “Word of the Year” honor on the word or term with the sharpest spike in look-ups over the previous year.

This year the dictionary announced a 70 percent increase in online searches for “feminism” compared to 2016, recording multiple spikes corresponding to a string of news reports and events.

Searches rose following the Women’s March on Washington and other US cities on January 21, the day after Trump was sworn in as president, the dictionary said Tuesday.

There was another spike when White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, the first woman to run a successful US presidential campaign, said in February that she did not consider herself a feminist.

Interest was also driven by “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the Hulu series about a dystopian future in which a woman lives as a concubine during a time of dictatorship, and Hollywood blockbuster “Wonder Woman” starring Israel’s Gal Gadot.

Merriam-Webster said more look-ups followed the outpouring of sexual harassment allegations that have unseated well-known figures in Hollywood, politics, business, and triggered the #MeToo social media campaign by women all over the world.

The dictionary’s current definitions of feminism are “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” and “organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.”

Another top trending word for 2017 was “complicit,” connected to Trump’s sacking of FBI director James Comey, Russian interference in the 2016 election, and Ivanka Trump’s comment that she did not know what the word meant — which was then parodied in a skit for television show “Saturday Night Live.”

Among the other spikes recorded was one for the word “dotard,” which North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un used in a statement about Trump in September.

The switch to more simplified shapes and a fresh colour hasn’t altered the brand’s friendly, recognisable look, though.

“We’re very excited to deploy our refreshed brand image and spread our new signature pink,” says global chief marketing officer Julian Dames. “This marks the beginning of a new era and enables us to further stand out in the streets of the cities we cover.”

The Foodpanda app and website are meanwhile taking on an improved, user-friendlier interface with several new features. Delivery times are now presented more dynamically, taking into account food-preparation time, rider availability and distance to the destination, right down to the last minute.

The live-tracking feature lets customers monitor the progress of their order as it makes its way from restaurant to their doorstep.

“We took the refreshed design as an opportunity to improve our visibility and also provide even more safety to the riders,” says Dames.

“Not only are uniforms eye-catching in pink, but the rider jackets are also lightweight and water-resistant. We’ve also added reflective material to different parts of the uniform that’s more noticeable to others on the road. This combination of style and safety will ensure being noticed on the street, and will also allow riders to enjoy wearing them while staying safe.”

The competition run by the Neilson Hays Library draws an enthusiastic response every year, with 178 students at 44 schools entering this year.

It’s open to students ages 10 to 18 who can author a short story or write and illustrate a children’s picture book – in English.

Entries must be in by February 28.

The theme for the contest, which is chaired by MR Narisa Chakrabongse, is “Wonder”.

Entrants can work solo or on a team of up to three students, except in Category E, which is only for individuals.

Category A is for original picture books – no more than 20 pages and 500 words – by authors who are 12 years and under, from Thai or bilingual schools

Category B is the same but for students at international schools.

Category C is for original picture books – no more than 24 pages and 800 words – by students 16 years and under, in Thai and bilingual schools

Category D is the same, but for international schools

Category E is for original short stories – no more than 1,500 words – by students 18 years and under, attending any kind of school.

On the judging panel are acting coach Onchuma Yuthavong, SEAWrite Award winner Ngarmpun Vejjajiva, writer-illustrator Gee Svasti Thomson, journalist and author of “Finding George Orwell in Burma” Emma Larkin, and author of “The Little Blue Tuk-Tuk” Janice Santikarn.

Finalists will get to attend a workshop at Chakrabongse Villa, where the judges and other published writers and illustrators will critique their work and offer tips. Chaiporn Panichrutiwong, director and animator of “Yak: The Giant King”, and Cod Satrusayang, managing editor of the Asia News Network, will also participate.

The winners will hear their work read aloud at a public ceremony by prominent literary and art figures. They’ll receive certificates and Bt10,000 in cash. Canadian Ambassador Donica Pottie will also present a Bt10,000 prize

Find out more at (02) 233 1731 or NeilsonHaysLibrary.org. The entry form is available at goo.gl/fsrkQR.

Once you choose, the app’s skin and vehicle icons will change to reflect your prediction.

If you’re right, you’re likely to win free rides in Grab vehicles bearing the victor’s decal – and maybe much more.

The campaign continues through Monday (December 18).

The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and Grab Thailand have set up the online battle, ahead of which every ride taken with Grab earns Rewards Points and chances to win a “Last Jedi” tumbler, notebook, passport cover, tote bag or tickets to a private screening.

The grand prize is an all-inclusive trip for two to the world’s largest privately owned Star Wars memorabilia museum, Rancho Obi-Wan in San Francisco, California.

Follow developments on Grab’s Facebook page, “GrabTH”.

The OPod Tube House, conceived by James Law Cybertecture, is an experimental low cost, micro-living housing unit constructed out of a 2.5 meters diameter concrete water pipe.

The design ultilizes a strong concrete structure to house an apartment for one or two persons with living, cooking and bathroom inside 100 square feet (9.29 square meters).

Each tube house is equipped with smartphone locks for online access and space saving micro-living furniture. They can be stacked to become a low-rise building as a modular community in a very short time, and can be located and relocated in different sites conveniently.

To promote the film, Walt Disney (Thailand), CPN, Tokyo Bike, UB Tech, Phillips, Rag & Bone, Grab, Lego, Hot Toys, Hasbro and Lenovo have some special plans in mind.

“‘Star Wars’ is one of the all-time most successful movie franchises, followed by fans around the globe for 40 years,” says Walt Disney (Thailand) general manager Subha-Orn Rathanamongkolmas.

“The story is exciting, easy to relate to and timely. Since the original film premiered in 1977, there have been seven others in the series, excluding one separate episode.”

“We know many fans are waiting for ‘Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’, because it continues on from ‘The Force Awakens’ and will reveal the conclusion of important events in previous episodes, as well as new clues leading to the next ones. This is what makes the series so fascinating.

“And now we have an historical collaboration with 10 businesses that are all domestically and internationally leaders in their fields,” Subha-Orn says. “Our joining hands on this campaign will not only offer each brand’s customers exciting new experiences, but also help expand their consumer base with ‘Star Wars’ fans who will become engaged with them through the movie. It’s a good opportunity to see how each brand introduces its strategy to impress its customers.

“The Force Awakens”, the previous episode, is one of only three movies that have generated total revenue topping US$20 billion. The franchise itself has earned more than $7.7 billion.

“The Last Jedi” sees the heroes of “The Force Awakens” join other galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.

Bangkok is a magnet for travellers but, as the city’s most popular areas become overcrowded, new areas are starting to emerge, attracting adventurous, younger visitors. On Nut is one.

Just a few Skytrain stops from the heart of Bangkok, On Nut is nestled between downtown Sukhumvit and ultra-cool Thonglor, putting the city’s main highlights within easy reach. But, being away from the tourist hotspots, On Nut provides many wonderful examples of authentic Thai life.

X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit has created a new Destination Guide to On Nut. Curious guests can use the guide to uncover authentic urban activities that can’t be found in the usual tourist handbooks.

From chic cafes to hidden temples, outdoor activities, public pastimes and even simple trips to the supermarket, the Destination Guide enables guests to be immersed in the day-to-day life and culture of their destination. All 11 activities and attractions are easily reached from the hotel.

“Our guests are seeking a new type of travel experience, less focused on traditional tourist attractions and more on local, authentic cultural exploration,” says general manager Charin Tuncharoen.

“Our ‘Live Like a Local’ campaign and Destination Guide will open up our neighbourhood, revealing an array of attractions and activities that few visitors have a chance to discover,” says Charin. “From shops to supermarkets, farms to food courts, temples to Thai-boxing clubs, these are truly local experiences which are genuinely popular with Bangkokians.”

The attractions include the Wat Bang Na Nok Pier, where the canals teem with catfish, and Bang Nam Phueng, home to a floating market and many restaurants. Slightly further afield is Bang Kra Jao, the “Green Lung of Bangkok”.

There’s also muay thai boxing led by Attachai Fairtex and Sukhumvit Road’s lively W District, plus the pleasant caf?s and side-food stalls of On Nut.

Guests can join locals at an outdoor beef barbecue, discover quaint “European villages”, or take a break from the bustle of the city with a visit to an urban farm.

Following the launch of the first Destination Guide in Bangkok, the campaign will be rolled out across the X2 and X2 Vibe brands in Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and Buri Ram.