The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/iPhone service challenges show how Apple can go the extra milehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/07/nightmare-on-apple-street/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/07/nightmare-on-apple-street/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/07/nightmare-on-apple-street/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Retail, iPhone

For years, my Apple stuff has been super reliable, more than any other brand I own. So it came as a bit of a surprise when my trusty iPhone reported 'call failed' as I tapped a number from my address book. I assumed it was an AT&T cell problem, so moved out of the area and tried again. Same result. I looked at the iPhone screen and saw I had a full signal and 3G, so I tried yet again. This time I noticed that the call started, the signal dropped to zero (even the AT&T logo vanished) and the call failed again.

Assuming cell tower gremlins, I didn't think too much about it, but as a precaution returned home and restored and re-synced my phone.

Next day I made another call or two with no problems, then patted myself on the back for dealing with the problem on my own. Then the same symptoms returned. Not only were outgoing calls failing, but incoming calls failed in the same way.

A trip to the Apple Store was in order, so I made an appointment and sauntered on in. The tech was helpful. Tried the usual tricks like restarting the phone, resetting network settings etc, but nothing solved it. We switched SIMs with another phone, but no joy there. He suggested I call AT&T and have them 're-provision' the phone. Did that but no dice.

Continue reading iPhone service challenges show how Apple can go the extra mile

iPhone service challenges show how Apple can go the extra mile originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone service challenges show how Apple can go the extra mile originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple Retailcustomer serviceiPhoneMel MartinWed, 07 Jan 2009 14:15:00 ESTBuy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Sethttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/buy-leopard-iwork-09-ilife-09-via-the-mac-box-set/#commentsFiled under: Macworld, iLife, Retail, iWork

As mentioned in this morning's keynote, the Mac Box Set lets you purchase Mac OS 10.5.6, iLife '09 and iWork '09 in one tidy package for $169US. Additionally, shoppers can install the Mac Box Set Family Pack on up to five Mac computers in in the same household for $229US. Call us crazy, but we don't remember seeing such a bundle from Apple before.

Before you pull out your credit card, know that this won't ship until iLife '09 ships, which Phil identified as "Late January." However, TUAW reader Lou purchased iLife '09 online today, and his receipt listed "February '09" as the ship date. So, we'll see.

If you happen to visit a store near a store in a major city today, have a look around or ask an employee if January is likely for this product. Let us know what you find. Thanks!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Buy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Set originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Buy Leopard, iWork '09, iLife '09 via the Mac Box Set originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>ilifeiworkmac box setMacBoxSetmacworldmacworld09retailDave CaoloTue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 ESTSurprise! The US online Apple Store is downhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/surprise-the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/surprise-the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/06/surprise-the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/#commentsFiled under: Macworld, Retail

As expected, the US online Apple Store has become unavailable as it's prepped to sell this afternoon's post-keynote goodies.

While you're waiting, why not take a last gander at the rumors, check out our photos from Macworld Expo or dust off your credit card in preparation for a new Mac mini?

To our readers outside the USA: is the online Apple Store down in your neck of the woods, too? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TUAW for our live coverage of the Phil Schiller keynote later today.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Surprise! The US online Apple Store is down originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Surprise! The US online Apple Store is down originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple storeAppleStoremacworldmacworld expomacworld09MacworldExporetailDave CaoloTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:10:00 ESTLucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Holidays

Fukubukuro, or "Mystery Bag," is a Japanese New Year's Day tradition during which merchants sell sealed bags of various items at a substantial discount, often as high as 50%. Apple participated this year, and one lucky shopper, Justin, blogged his experience.

For the approximate equivalent of $384US, Justin received

an 8 GB iPod touch
Nike iPod sensor and armband
Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere2 speaker set
Cool, re-useable bag (at right)
Commemorative T-shirt
2009 calendar

Quite a haul! Shoppers lined up at midnight on January 2nd for a chance to buy one of Apple's Mystery Bags. I'm thinking that US retailers need to adopt this tradition.

[Via ifoAppleStore]

Lucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Lucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple retailApple StoreAppleRetailAppleStoreFukubukurojapanDave CaoloMon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 ESTThieves steal $10,000 of gear from an Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/thieves-steal-10-000-of-gear-from-an-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/thieves-steal-10-000-of-gear-from-an-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/thieves-steal-10-000-of-gear-from-an-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: Retail

Thieves broke into an Apple Store in Palo Alto, California, and within two minutes had nabbed $10,000 worth of gear, including six laptops (gotta be MacBook Pros, right?) and two iPhones. And apparently they trucked right over to Los Gatos, and did the same thing about an hour later. There's no dollar figure from the second robbery, but more laptops and iPhones were stolen.

It's actually surprising this kind of thing doesn't happen more often, though I'm also surprised the thieves were able to duck in and out of the store in two minutes -- I've been to many Apple Stores, and I don't think I could carry out $10,000 worth of stuff and be gone in just two minutes.

But I guess as long as there's something expensive around, someone will try to steal it. Cops have a car description on these guys, and having gotten away with two robberies already, it's probably a good guess they'll try again. Only a matter of time before they're caught.

[via Techmeme]

Thieves steal $10,000 of gear from an Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Thieves steal $10,000 of gear from an Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>apple-storecopsgeariphonelos-gatosmacbook-prospalo-altoretailrobberystolentheftsthievesMike SchrammWed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:00 ESTApple ranked #4 among online retailershttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Surveys and Polls, Holidays

A holiday survey of shopper satisfaction with e-retailers ranked Apple as number 4, with 78% of customers pleased with purchases made on the Apple website. The survey was conducted by ForeSee Results and FGI Research.

Only two online retailers scored above 80 percent, with Amazon and Netflix tied at 84%. QVC.com ranked third. The survey is intended to be predictive for how companies will do in 2009. Retailers losing some customer confidence included Circuit City, Gap, Home Depot, HSN, Neiman Marcus, and Overstock.com.

Larry Freed, President and CEO of ForeSee Results, said that too many e-retailers aren't paying attention to metrics like customer satisfaction and he said "that's just not playing to win in this economy."

Apple is down 1% from last year's rankings. In general, Apple does very well in surveys that measure customer loyalty, product reliability, and service and support.

2009 could be a tough year for brick and mortar and online retailers, so every little bit of customer pleasure really helps translate into sales.

Apple ranked #4 among online retailers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple ranked #4 among online retailers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Apple Storecustomer satisfactionholiday salessurveysMel MartinWed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 ESTAT&T sells $99 refurb iPhones until end of Decemberhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/27/atandt-sells-99-refurb-iphones-until-end-of-december/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/27/atandt-sells-99-refurb-iphones-until-end-of-december/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/27/atandt-sells-99-refurb-iphones-until-end-of-december/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Deals, iPhone

Just last week we mention that AT&T would start selling the iPhone 3G through its website. AT&T took that idea a bit further, and is now offering an iPhone 3G at a really good deal.

Currently being offered is a refurbished 8GB iPhone 3G for only $99US (with a 2-year contract). You heard right, you can get an iPhone 3G for only $99. So the rumors about the $99 iPhone were semi-true, except this isn't Walmart, and it's only a limited deal. You can get $50 off all refurbed iPhones until December 31.

Here's how the prices break down for the refurbs:

Thanks for the tip, Binja!

AT&T sells $99 refurb iPhones until end of December originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

AT&T sells $99 refurb iPhones until end of December originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>3G99ATTdealiPhonerumorssaleCory BohonSat, 27 Dec 2008 07:00:00 ESTiPhone 3G now available for online purchasehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/iphone-3g-now-available-for-online-purchase/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/iphone-3g-now-available-for-online-purchase/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/20/iphone-3g-now-available-for-online-purchase/#commentsFiled under: Retail, iPhone

Since the introduction of the iPhone 3G, neither Apple nor AT&T has sold the device online. That is, until now. AT&T is now allowing customers the option of ordering an iPhone 3G on their store website.

You can now pick up an iPhone 3G in either 8GB or 16GB black/white configurations. The 8GB iPhone is being sold for $199US, and the 16GB for $299. If new isn't your thing, AT&T is also offering refurbished iPhones starting at $149 for an 8GB model. You can visit the AT&T online store for more information.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

iPhone 3G now available for online purchase originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone 3G now available for online purchase originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AppleATTonlineretailCory BohonSat, 20 Dec 2008 14:00:00 ESTApple Store free shipping deadline is tonighthttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/apple-store-free-shipping-deadline-is-tonight/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/apple-store-free-shipping-deadline-is-tonight/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/19/apple-store-free-shipping-deadline-is-tonight/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Stocking Stuffers

If you're flush enough to give Apple gifts this holiday season, but frugal enough to want to avoid shipping charges and still get your gear in time for Christmas, be mindful: Apple's web store deadline for free express shipping is tonight at midnight Pacific time (3 AM Saturday ET). Most items (including refurb machines) can still be shipped in time if ordered by 12/23 at 10 am PT, for an additional fee; however, tonight is the last chance to put your money down for an engraved iPod.

If you really like the idea of gift shopping at the very last minute and beyond, you do have one option that can take you right into Christmas Day: Apple's flagship 5th Avenue retail store in NYC will be open as usual, 24/7 right through the holiday. My sympathies, in advance, to the retail staffing team that's drawn the short straw and has to work overnight on New Year's Eve... that's going to be messy.

[via Dealnews]

Apple Store free shipping deadline is tonight originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple Store free shipping deadline is tonight originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>giftsholidashholidayretailshippingstoreMichael RoseFri, 19 Dec 2008 15:32:00 ESTiBreathalyzer is, yes, a breathalyzer for your iPodhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/ibreathalyzer-is-yes-a-breathalyzer-for-your-ipod/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/ibreathalyzer-is-yes-a-breathalyzer-for-your-ipod/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/18/ibreathalyzer-is-yes-a-breathalyzer-for-your-ipod/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPod Family, Retail, Odds and ends, Stocking Stuffers, iPhone

It's late Friday night, you're stepping out of the bar into the cold after a few drinks, and as you head towards the car, you stop, realizing that it might not be the right time to drive. But how can you know for sure? Simple -- you just pull out your iPod. Because the iPod hasn't had enough random things attached to it, there's the iBreath, a breathalyzer that connects to the bottom of your iPod or iPhone and will not only tell you what your BAC is, but transmit your iPod's audio to your FM radio as well.

You've gotta be kidding us. Not only should you never drive after drinking, as even legal levels can be dangerous, but even if you just want to know your BAC you can buy a regular breathalyzer for a lot less than the $80 this one costs, and you don't even need an iPod to connect it to.

But we'll give these guys their credit -- of all the things you can attach to an iPod, this one might be the strangest.

iBreathalyzer is, yes, a breathalyzer for your iPod originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iBreathalyzer is, yes, a breathalyzer for your iPod originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>accessoriesalcoholbarbreathalyzerdrinkinghumoribreathiphoneipodsillyMike SchrammThu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 ESTWalmart to test iPhone sales with employees starting todayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/walmart-to-test-iphone-sales-with-employees-starting-today/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/walmart-to-test-iphone-sales-with-employees-starting-today/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/walmart-to-test-iphone-sales-with-employees-starting-today/#commentsFiled under: Retail, iPhone

Engadget is featuring an image allegedly showing details of Walmart's "soft launch" for the iPhone, scheduled to go on sale at 9 a.m. on December 28.

The note indicates that 488 Walmart stores were chosen for a "pilot" exercise, whereby each store will be given five iPhones to sell to Walmart employees between now and the 28th.

Associates will be able to purchase the phones for "full contract price and a two-year service agreement," but they can take advantage of a 15 percent discount on the contract as employees.

The purpose of the pilot program is to sort out any issues with the sales or activation process prior to the public launch date. If anything, it will make for a happy holiday for 2,440 Walmart associates.

Walmart to test iPhone sales with employees starting today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Walmart to test iPhone sales with employees starting today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>engadgetiphoneretailsoft-launchwalmartRobert PalmerWed, 17 Dec 2008 15:40:00 ESTTarget releases 'Gift Globe' iPhone apphttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/target-releases-iphone-app-to-encourage-holiday-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/target-releases-iphone-app-to-encourage-holiday-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/17/target-releases-iphone-app-to-encourage-holiday-shopping/#commentsFiled under: Retail, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Target ~~has decided to release~~ released its own iPhone application a couple of weeks ago, possibly to encourage holiday shopping online. Stepping beyond the basic web application that Walmart released, the Target application [iTunes link] offers an interesting concept -- like an Urbanspoon for gift ideas.

The idea is to generate gift ideas quickly. First, select the gender and age of your recipient. Then shake the iPhone and the snow globe will display a potential gift. Don't like the recommendation? Shake the iPhone again, and another item will be displayed.

You can tap the item to access actions: add it to your favorites, purchase online, or start your selection over. With the favorites list, you have the ability to create a personalized holiday shopping list that you can carry with you. You can mark off items on the list as you purchase them. The application also allows you to find the nearest Target store.

The Target Gift Globe application can be found in the iTunes App Store for free.

Gallery: First Look: Target Gift Globe

Target releases 'Gift Globe' iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Target releases 'Gift Globe' iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>App StoreAppStoreiPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchshoppingTargetwalmartCory BohonWed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 ESTApple t-shirt quilt available on eBayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/13/apple-t-shirt-quilt-available-on-ebay/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Retail, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, iMac, PowerBook, Apple

I don't know how comfy a quilt made out of t-shirts would be, but maybe the fact that they're all Apple t-shirts will help. That's exactly what this quilt is made out of -- it's up over on eBay right now, and while the price is only around $36 at the time of this writing, it's probably gone up since then. There are about 20 t-shirts in the quilt total, and they look like they range from the late '90s (there's a bondi blue iMac on there, I believe) up to the Tiger release (at least those are all the ones I recognize). And they do seem like official store t-shirts, which means whoever made the quilt probably is or knows an Apple employee.

If you can get over the fact that someone probably once wore your quilt, it might be a nice Apple-themed bedspread to grab. I've been looking for a good quilt lately, and while this is a little too patched together for my interests, maybe Apple is missing something here. What would an Ive-designed quilt end up looking like?

Apple t-shirt quilt available on eBay originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple t-shirt quilt available on eBay originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>appleapple-storeapple-storesgeniushandmadeimacquiltretailstorestigertshirtsMike SchrammSat, 13 Dec 2008 14:30:00 ESTAnalyst: Walmart will sell 4.5 million iPhones in 2009http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/analyst-walmart-will-sell-4-5-million-iphones-in-2009/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/analyst-walmart-will-sell-4-5-million-iphones-in-2009/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/12/analyst-walmart-will-sell-4-5-million-iphones-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Retail, Apple Financial, Deals, iPhone

Which hardly seems believable, but you never know. Yes, Walmart, that bastion of crass commercialism, is going to be carrying the iPhone, that symbol of elegant commercialism, and what we're going to get is a whole lot of commercialism. Analyst Gene Munster (our favorite prognosticator other than the Groundhog himself) says that not only will Apple sell a whopping 45 million iPhones next year, but a tenth of them will be sold right here in America at good ol' Walmart.

Apparently he didn't change his numbers from before the announcement of the Walmart deal, since he had already planned on Apple finding other ways to sell the iPhone. But man, that's a lot of iPhones - enough to give everyone in my current city of Chicago an iPhone, and then some to spare (we'd send them to St. Louis, if we actually had a Walmart here to buy them from).

But no one's ever been proven wrong overestimating Apple sales we guess. If you think iPhones are commonplace now, wait until you see them at Walmart.

[via MacBytes]

Analyst: Walmart will sell 4.5 million iPhones in 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst: Walmart will sell 4.5 million iPhones in 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>4.5-millionanalystcommercialismfalling-pricesgene-munstermoneysaleswalmartMike SchrammFri, 12 Dec 2008 18:30:00 ESTMac Update offers holiday bundlehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/mac-update-offers-holiday-bundle/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/mac-update-offers-holiday-bundle/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/09/mac-update-offers-holiday-bundle/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Software, Deals

In the midst of the holiday shopping season, MacUpdate is in the process of offering their Holiday Bundle. MacUpdate tells us that their new purchasing system now allows purchases to be gifted, and in this particular bundle if you purchase three copies, you'll receive a fourth free.

The bundle is selling for $49.99US, and includes the following applications at a hefty discount:

If you're looking for a last minute holiday gift idea for the Mac user in your life, consider MacUpdate's Holiday Promo. The deal runs through December 18, and can be purchased/gifted through the MU Promo website.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Mac Update offers holiday bundle originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mac Update offers holiday bundle originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BundleHolidayMac UpdateMacUpdatePromosoftware bundleSoftwareBundleCory BohonTue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:00 ESTWalmart to carry iPhone, but not 4GB, not for $99http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/walmart-to-carry-iphone-but-not-4gb-not-for-99/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/walmart-to-carry-iphone-but-not-4gb-not-for-99/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/walmart-to-carry-iphone-but-not-4gb-not-for-99/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Rumors, iPhone

Whither the cheap, low-capacity Walmart iPhone? MacRumors' Arnold Kim now anticipates that Walmart will be offering 8GB iPhones for $197, with no mention of smaller capacities or lower prices. The price is two bucks cheaper than at an AT&T retail store.

MacBlogz's Aviv Hadar mentioned late last week that their sources at AT&T said a 4GB model was "simply not true."

The original story, from BoyGeniusReport, was treated with a heavy dose of skepticism even from them, as the source wasn't one of their usual fonts of reliable information.

In related news, the San Jose Mercury News notes that Bay Area Walmart stores may begin carrying iPhone handsets before Christmas, citing employees and managers at those stores.

Otherwise, expect the devices to go on sale December 28.

[Via MacDailyNews.]

Walmart to carry iPhone, but not 4GB, not for $99 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Walmart to carry iPhone, but not 4GB, not for $99 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bgrboygeniusreportiphonemacblozmacrumorsmdnmercurynewswalmartRobert PalmerMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:30:00 ESTMunich Apple Store opening draws huge crowdhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/munich-apple-store-opening-draws-huge-crowd/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/munich-apple-store-opening-draws-huge-crowd/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/08/munich-apple-store-opening-draws-huge-crowd/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Retail

Here's a familiar story -- an Apple Store opening draws a huge crowd. This time, the store in question was Germany's very first. Construction on this location began all the way back in July of 2007, and we started to see job postings in May of this year. Some reports state that 4,000 people visited the store in the first few hours.

iPhone Savior reports that the day was busy but the crowd was handled efficiently. To get a glimpse of the throng, check out this cool Quicktime VR.

Congratulations, Munich! Enjoy your new Apple Store.

[Via MacDailyNews]

Munich Apple Store opening draws huge crowd originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Munich Apple Store opening draws huge crowd originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>appleapple storeAppleStoregermanymunichretailDave CaoloMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 ESTAusgezeichnet! Apple's first German retail store opening Saturdayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/05/ausgezeichnet-apples-first-german-retail-store-opening-saturda/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/05/ausgezeichnet-apples-first-german-retail-store-opening-saturda/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/05/ausgezeichnet-apples-first-german-retail-store-opening-saturda/#commentsFiled under: Retail

It's been in the building phase for a while, and now the date is set: Saturday should see the opening of Germany's first official Apple Store, on Rosenstraße in beautiful Munich. No word yet on whether the German retail employees will be applauding and cheering the first customers at 10 am, but we sure hope so. Perhaps the commemorative t-shirts will be printed with "Hallo, Ich Bin Ein Mac."

Coverage (auf Deutsch) of the press opener is here, and a very nice Flickr set of photos from inside the store is here. If you are attending the Saturday store opening, send in your reports in the comments.

Thanks Yosi, Killian and Chris!

Ausgezeichnet! Apple's first German retail store opening Saturday originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ausgezeichnet! Apple's first German retail store opening Saturday originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>germanygrand openingGrandOpeningretailstoreMichael RoseFri, 05 Dec 2008 03:00:00 ESTBGR: Walmart to sell $99 iPhone?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/bgr-walmart-to-sell-99-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/bgr-walmart-to-sell-99-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/04/bgr-walmart-to-sell-99-iphone/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Rumors, iPhone

Your source for all iPhone-slash-Walmart news, BoyGeniusReport, has a whopper for you: Walmart might offer the 4GB iPhone for $99 when they start selling the handsets after Christmas.

Even they're skeptical, though: Their tipster isn't one of their regulars, and so they can't say with any certainty that it will come to pass.

The discount makes sense, in a way. Selling the low-end iPhone at a ridiculous price will turn it into the new Motorola RAZR. Apple would love everyone in the country to own one, I'm sure. It's not clear who will eat the discount, though -- Apple, AT&T, or Walmart -- but my guess is that it's mostly Apple. Apple has other revenue streams for the iPhone, such as the App Store and iTunes, and AT&T still has its spendy two-year contract. If this is what Apple needs to do to make this the ubiquitous handset to have, then it may be worth the cost to them.

On the other hand, as many commenters at BGR have pointed out, with ubiquity comes rejection. Suddenly, the iPhone isn't the cool status symbol to have anymore. This doesn't bother me one bit, but to some people -- for whatever reason -- it's important to them. (I have special names for those people.) Nevertheless -- will it impact sales? How much is the "hip" coefficient driving purchases?

In any event, consider this one of those situations where the Internet is writing checks that Walmart's butt might not be able to cash. But pretty sweet if it does.

BGR: Walmart to sell $99 iPhone? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

BGR: Walmart to sell $99 iPhone? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bgrboygeniusreportdealdiscountiphonewalmartRobert PalmerThu, 04 Dec 2008 12:04:00 ESTFirst Look: Amazon.com app for iPhone/iPod touch http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/03/first-look-amazon-com-app-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/03/first-look-amazon-com-app-for-iphone-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/03/first-look-amazon-com-app-for-iphone-ipod-touch/#commentsFiled under: Retail, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch

Today, the online retailer Amazon.com launched its first iPhone/iPod touch application. Previously, Amazon offered a version of its site that was optimized for MobileSafari. Amazon has added some pretty nifty features in the iPhone application that could make shopping online a lot easier.

When you first launch the application, you are presented with your wish list, and the phrase "Get Yourself a Little Something." From this home tab, you can also see your signed-in username. When you tap the search tab, you are able to type in a search string just as you can on the Amazon.com homepage. Search results are featured in a descending list, ordered by relevance. You can see the categories for the search results by tapping the "By Category" button in the top-right.

Once you're on a product page, you are able to see the same information that you would see on the Amazon.com page, except compacted a little more. Tap the item name/price link, and you get a full product description. Tap the customer reviews section, and you can see all of the reviews. When you're ready to purchase, select "Buy Now," or "Add to Cart" at the bottom of the product page. The picture of the product will then "fall" into the shopping cart tab with a nice animation. You can also see a running count of all the items in your cart. If you decide you don't want the item, just tap the edit button and remove it. When you are ready to complete your purchase, select the "Checkout" button in the top-right corner of the cart tab.

Probably the coolest feature of Amazon's application is located in the "Remembers" tab. In this section, you can take a picture with your iPhone's camera and have it sent to Amazon. In a few minutes, you get a link to the Amazon product page for that item (or the item that resembles it most closely). Note that Mike Schramm's favorite iPhone app, Snaptell [iTunes link], has offered the ability to do the exact same thing for multiple shopping sites. The Amazon "Remembers" feature seems nice, and your results are saved on the Amazon site for later reference. In my tests, after taking the picture I received a link to the product page within 1-2 minutes. This definitely could come in handy if you're in a store and want to find out how much an item sells for on Amazon.

Amazon has really created an all-around great shopping experience for the iPhone and iPod touch. You can download this application from the iTunes App Store for free.

Gallery: First Look: Amazon Mobile for iPhone

First Look: Amazon.com app for iPhone/iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

First Look: Amazon.com app for iPhone/iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AmazoniPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchonlineretailCory BohonWed, 03 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST