Tag Archives: Apple Store

April Fools, 2011 edition: ThinkGeek is selling Apple Store Play Set, Angry Birds Pork Rinds

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Not sure if this year’s ThinkGeek prank products top last year’s Dhrama Initiative Alarm Clock, but they certainly come close. Pictured above is the Apple Store Playset from PLAYMOBIL. For $179.99 you get everything you see here: entire store with figures and over 60 accessories; the Store comes fully staffed with Apple Store associates; Ground floor of Apple store features product demo tables, software shelves and kids corner; Top floor includes Genius Bar and Keynote Theater with mini Steve Jobs figure; and you can even use your own real iPhone 4 as the screen behind Steve Jobs in the Keynote Theater. For an additional $49.99 you can buy the Line Pack to stage your own Apple Device launch party, a tiny Woz on a tiny Segway included! The Apple Store Play Set aims to introduce children to the magic of Apple technology, check it out in more detail right here.

And that’s not all. ThinkGeek is offering a wide range of new products today only and they include Angry Birds Pork Rinds (delicious crispy pork rinds made from dead pigs), Star Wars Lightsaber Popsicles, and the insanely popular Minecraft USB Desktop Nether Portal. Shop at the source link.

[Via ThinkGeek]

Verizon iPhone launch information

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The Verizon iPhone is almost here. Here’s the scoop on how to get yours.

During the wee morning hours of Thursday, February 3, Verizon Wireless allowed its current subscriber base to preorder the Verizon iPhone 4 on a first-come, first-served basis. After the first two hours of the preorder window (precisely between 3AM and 5AM) VZW ceased online orders of the phone due to high demand and ended the most successful first day sales in the history of the company. Missed out on this opportunity? Not a current VZW customers? Read on.

Beginning Wednesday, February 9, you can order the phone through the Apple Store online for delivery OR reserve it for in-store pick up beginning Thursday, February 10. At at 7AM local time on Thursday the 10th, run–don’t walk–to a brick-and-mortar Apple Store to purchase the phone; they’ll be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.  On launch day you’ll also find the phone being sold at over 2,000 Verizon Wireless Stores (also starting at 7AM), Best Buy, select Wal-Mart stores, and online at verizonwireless.com and apple.com. Verizon’s got a nice Special Upgrade Offer happening right now; it’ll help you save money on purchasing an iPhone if you bought your latest handset between 11/26 and 1/10.

Got it? Good. Starting brewing some coffee now and prepare for the online and retail insanity to begin. The day you’ve been dreaming about is just around the corner.

[Via Engadget, here & here]

Today is iPad Day. Want one? Here is what you need to know.

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So the iPad is coming out today.  THE iPAD IS COMING OUT TODAY!  OK, calm down.  If you want one that badly, here’s what you need to know.

Where/when to buy it: (1) The iPad is available to purchase at all Apple Stores around the nation.  On launch day, Apple employees will cater to customers who preordered it first at 9AM, then start selling it to everyone else at 10AM.  Lines started forming a whole 24 hours before store opening.  But don’t worry; it’s been reported that most lines are not as deep as those found on iPhone launch day.  (2) The iPad will also be available to purchase at Besy Buy.  Word has it that the device will only be sold at Best Buys that contain the mini-Apple kiosks within them; fortunately that includes around 675 stores around the nation.  Stores will likely hand out tickets (redeemable until 3PM) at 9AM.  Your best bet is to go to an Apple Store first and save Best Buy as a backup plan.  The Apple Store will definitely receive more iPad units, and it’s been reported that Best Buy is only receiving 15 units of each model.  If queues begin, your chances of getting one are slim.  So, Apple Store first, then Best Buy.  (Apple Specialist Stores will also be getting in some iPads.  If you know if your local mall has one of these, call them up and inquire; it’s worth a shot.)

Don’t feel like going out tomorrow?: Well, that’s fine.  There is one other way to snag an iPad early in the game.  Head over to the Apple store online and order one.  The initial shipments have sold out, so if you order one today the expected ship date is April 12.  (Note that Best Buy does not offer the iPad online.)

And that’s about it.  If you’re going out to get one, good luck and have a magical day!  While you’re waiting, check out the full catelog of iPad apps, now available to view in iTunes!  I’ll be posting some of my favorites next week.

[Via Gizmodo]

Couple ties the knot inside their local Apple Store

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Apple fanboy Josh Li and fangirl Ting Li said their iDo’s last week at New York’s Fifth Avenue Apple Store.  The couple first met at an Apple Store; Josh courted his fair lady like this: “We got to know each other because Ting was looking to buy an iPod…and I managed to strike up a conversation that way… I used to joke that the Apple Store is my church because I am not religious, and I loved everything Apple.”  And the rest is history, encapsuled in the short but sweet video above.  (Hope you picked up on this–the priest is dressed as Steve Jobs, black turtleneck and all!)

[Via Mashable]

Apple constructs another architectural masterpiece in new NYC Apple Store

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On November 14 the glass doors will open to a brand new Apple Store located in the Upper West Side.  It will be the fourth (and largest) Apple Store placed in New York City.

During today’s official announcements, Apple made it clear that “customers can now reserve their favorite Apple product” online and pick it up in-store between December 15-24.  Also, for the first time ever Apple Store employees will giftwrap “any iPod or portable Mac for just $5.”

Oh, and for all you Apple fanboys and collectors listen up: “The Apple Store Upper West Side is located at 1981 Broadway, on the corner of West 67th Street. The first 2,500 visitors to the store will receive a limited edition, commemorative t-shirt.”  Doors open at 10AM; what are you waiting for?

Be sure to check out some shots of the gorgeous Apple Store in the gallery below, courtesy of Gizmodo.

[Via Gizmodo]

Apple Store EasyPay system gets a long overdue upgrade

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If you have ever shopped at an retail Apple Store you have surely noticed their transaction system.  If you are paying for an item with a credit card you simply approach an Apple employee and they can scan your item(s), swipe your credit card, and print out (and/or email) your receipt from a bulky, Windows CE-powered (oh, the irony) device called EasyPay.  In the near future Apple will transition from the old (circa 2005) EasyPay system to a brand new system that will smartly be implemented into custom-designed iPod touches.  With the help of the OS 3.0 hardware accessory support, Apple will dress the iPod touch in a large plastic case-like enclosure, complete with a barcode scanner at the top, a card reader on the side, and an extra battery.  It’s all powered by a mini USB port that’s located on the bottom of the case.  The iPod touch will run an Apple “EasyPay” application that will get the transaction process done.  And just like it’s Windows CE predecessor, customers will be asked to sign the device with–wait for it–a stylus.  Who knew such an archaic instrument would ever come in contact with an iPod touch, a modern tech beast with a multitouch screen to-boot.  But hey, it does “allows finer entry and control.”  And if you have cash, no worries; an iPod touch-equipped employee can take care of you on the spot and transfer the almost completed transaction to a nearby cash register.  It’s all about streamlining the transaction process and making things easier for the employees and customers.  And customer satisfaction is what matter most.  Those guys at Apple are forward thinkers, and I like it.

[Via Gizmodo; AppleInsider]

NJ Apple Store robbed by highly trained theives

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Yesterday the Apple Store in Marlton, NJ was robbed by five well-organized theives.  They stole 23 MacBook Pros, 14 iPhones, and 9 iPod touches (or is it iPods touch?).  They bashed through the glass doors and stole all of the merchandise in 31 seconds!  Fastest burglars I have ever seen.  Check out the security cam that captured it all in the news report above.

[Via Engadget; TUAW]

What’s fun & original? Shoot a webcam vid at an Apple Store!

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YouTube user nicholifavs is a typical kid who makes webcam videos of himself lip-synching his favorite songs.  What makes him worthy of notice is the way he makes the videos.  He shoots and uploads all of his videos from the NYC 5th Ave. Apple Store!  He doesn’t care about the onlookers behind him, and it seems like the Apple Store employees don’t have a problem with it.  Check out his rendition of Boom Boom Pow above, and see his YouTube page for more.  Very original, man.  Keep it coming.

[Via Gizmodo]

Microsoft Store coming to a mall near you

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If you are not aware, Microsoft is planning to open its own retail stores, just like Apple has with their “Apple Store” nationwide.  Gizmodo recently picked up on leaked MS retail store plans that were included in what seems to be a legit powerpoint presentation by Lippicott, a “design and brand strategy” consultant firm.  From the looks of the images and details, a ‘Microsoft Store’ may give Apple a run for its money.  Back on July 15, this quote was picked up by Giz; Microsoft’s COO Kevin Turner: “And stay tuned, because we’re going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall. Stay tuned, just stay tuned.”  Late last week, Giz found further information about MS’s plans about a retail chain.  “Essentially, Microsoft is taking the best elements from the Apple Store, Sony Style and other “flagship” stores. The main focuses are going to be Windows 7, Xbox, PCTV (Windows Media Center) Surface and Windows Mobile, revolving around this concept customer they call “Emily…”  One Frank Shaw left a comment on MS’s behalf, firmly stating that these plans are only concepts, and nothing more: “As a part of our process in briefing creative agencies, we shared some early prototypes and concepts of our retail store plans. No final decisions have been made. As we previously announced, we are on track to open retail stores this Fall.”  According to CNET, the first two locations of these stores will be in Scottsdale, Arizona and Mission Viejo, California.  Microsoft spokeswoman Kim Stocks: “Over a billion people use our products every day yet we don’t always have a way to directly connect with them.  We see the physical stores, as well as a consistent online experience, helping that.”  With the goal of “going global” MS will directly compete with Apple Retail stores in the near future.  There’s even a rumored “answers bar” in the works to go head-to-head with Apple’s Genius Bar.  Look after the break for Giz’s summary of the leaked powerpoint presentation and see the gallery below for the leaked in-store plans.

[Via Gizmodo here & here; CNET]

 

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