Filed under: Retail, Rumors, Software, App Store
Rumor: Apple to release concierge app
The Genius Bar is a popular feature of Apple's retail stores. Shoppers can schedule appointments with the resident Geniuses to request repairs, ask for help and so on. The tough part can be getting an appointment, as they fill up fast. AppleInsider is reporting that Apple will release a concierge app meant to make that process easier.They say that the app will let users schedule appointments with both the Genius Bar and One-To-One and monitor their place in line. No other information was available. Recently, Apple added a service that lets people pick up Macs and iPods ordered online from retail stores, complete with gift wrapping.
We'll keep an eye on the App Store and let you know when this app lands.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
prill.dustin said 11:07AM on 11-17-2009
It's about time.
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mabhatter said 11:39AM on 11-17-2009
Isn't this against the terms of the App Store because the data is already available via Apple's website with the Safari browser. Why would they make an app that duplicates existing functionality.... people get rejected for that and sent to the back of the approval line.
Greenie said 11:24AM on 11-17-2009
This will be nice.
I also bought a few things at the Apple Store yesterday and saw the new hand held checkout devices. Wow, those are well done.
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DaveR said 11:43AM on 11-17-2009
It'll probably get rejected..
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Todd Sieling said 12:39PM on 11-17-2009
It seems like a bit of an odd duck for an app, given the very limited number of times it's likely to be used by a given customer. I'm keen, however, to see the new checkout devices. The older ones always seemed out of place especially after iphone apps came out.
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Dripps said 12:47PM on 11-17-2009
Hey I'm a mac and an app for store appointments was MY idea!
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Jason Martin said 12:53PM on 11-17-2009
This seems like a neat idea, but given the relatively few times I would use this service (maybe 3-4 times a year at most), it seems like it would make more sense as a web app. I can't see many/any people actually keeping this on their phone regularly.
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Aloysius Snuffleupagus said 1:17PM on 11-17-2009
Spiffy. Now can someone please tell me why CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, Google and even BING have iPhone optimized websites and Apple does not?
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mvalpreda said 2:12PM on 11-17-2009
If you use this app more than once, you bought the wrong brand of products.
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samuel said 8:46PM on 11-17-2009
Remember that technology that Apple touted back when the iPhone was released and Starbucks' CEO joined Apple on the stage.. that technology that would change your iPhone to display the music that was playing in a venue and for the last 10 songs you missed - well why not with the Genius bar.
Why not have the iPhone/iPod Touch change when entering an Apple store to log an appointment based on the stores availability simply being notified to this when entering the space.
I had imagined 'zone' like technology like this since before the iPhone but never since that introduction from the Starbucks man have I seen it since.
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Yakov Hadash said 8:14AM on 11-19-2009
Maybe it turned out that people want to have some say about what their phone does and when.
samuel said 8:23AM on 11-19-2009
So, turn it off? I think its an excellent technology, zones allows for real interactivity and based on certain technical checks in a secure environment only certain devices would react - a whole host of measures could be taken to ensure this worked without irritation or invasion.
For example, nobody gets onto my Wi-Fi network without being on the IP list (or by spoofing, if you've got the hardware)
Chris said 10:25AM on 11-19-2009
How are you supposed to use this app if your going to the Genius Bar to get your iPhone fixed?
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