The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gif The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/iPhone is 'unavailable' in UK and US Apple stores; 3G release imminent?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/10/iphone-is-unavailable-in-uk-and-us-apple-stores-3g-release-im/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/10/iphone-is-unavailable-in-uk-and-us-apple-stores-3g-release-im/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/10/iphone-is-unavailable-in-uk-and-us-apple-stores-3g-release-im/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As many of our intrepid readers have pointed out, iPhones are unavailable at the online Apple Store in both the US and the UK. As we mentioned earlier in the week, cell carrier and Apple retail stores on both continents are reportedly facing shortages as well.

With all the buzz surrounding the 3G model, the international rollout and the SDK, this is just one more sign that the release of a new device is right around the corner.

While I'm obviously not privy to any official dates (or even unofficial speculation), my past experiences in the cell phone retail world lead me to believe that an early June release seems very, very probable.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
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]]>3g iphone3g rumors3gIphone3gRumorsiphonetweet-thisChristina Warren2008-05-10T14:00:00+00:00Apple posts job listings for Munich Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/09/apple-posts-job-listings-for-munich-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/09/apple-posts-job-listings-for-munich-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/09/apple-posts-job-listings-for-munich-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: ,

In June of last year, we wrote about the Apple Store that has been planned for Munich, Germany. At the time, rumors identified an opening date of "...the 2nd half of 2008."

Today, Apple has posted several retail job openings for Munich, from concierge up to store manager; eleven in total. If they've begun looking for employees, the store must be near completion.

The iPhone was made available to Germans in November of last year, and a June store opening would coincide nicely with the rumored 3G iPhone release.

If you're a TUAW reader in Munich, head down to 1 Rosenstrasse (formerly home to Sport Schuster sporting goods) and let us know what you find! The time has almost come for Germany's first Apple Store!

Thanks, Chris!
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]]>apple retailapple storeAppleRetailAppleStoregermanymunichDave Caolo2008-05-09T18:00:00+00:00Apple retailer iRaffles opens in Pakistanhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/apple-retailer-iraffles-opens-in-pakistan/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/apple-retailer-iraffles-opens-in-pakistan/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/07/apple-retailer-iraffles-opens-in-pakistan/#commentsFiled under: ,

A new Apple retailer has opened in Lahore, Pakistan. It's not an official Apple Store, but a joint venture between Apple and Pakistan-based retailer Raffles. Called "iRaffles," the store was officially opened by US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson late last week.

This marks the first store for Pakistan. If you're a TUAW reader in the Lahore area, please send us any pictures and stories you have!

Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
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]]>appleirafflespakistanretailDave Caolo2008-05-07T12:30:00+00:00Boston's Apple Store to open May 16http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/06/bostons-apple-store-to-open-may-16/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/06/bostons-apple-store-to-open-may-16/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/05/06/bostons-apple-store-to-open-may-16/#commentsFiled under:

We've been following the story of Boston's upcoming Apple Store for a long time, and now it's scheduled to open on Friday, May 16th at 6:00 PM. Yes, I'll be there. Say "Hi."

When complete, it will be the ninth store in Massachusetts and certainly the largest ... or will it?

According to Gizmodo, the Boylston St. store will be the largest of all Apple retail stores. Citing "a store employee," Giz reports that an average 1,500-2000 customers/hour will visit the store.

Not so fast, Giz! Our friend Gary at ifoAppleStore shared this tidbit of information with us:

"...the [Boylston Street] lot is only 6,384 square-feet, so the store would have to be at least five stories to be larger than Regent Street (London), at 28,000 s.f."

At four stories high, it cannot be declared the biggest. Sorry, Boston. What we can say is that it opens soon and it's very, very big.
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]]>apple storeAppleStorebostonretailtweet-thisDave Caolo2008-05-06T11:30:00+00:00Apple retail to adopt department-specific uniformshttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/apple-retail-to-adopt-department-specific-uniforms/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/apple-retail-to-adopt-department-specific-uniforms/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/apple-retail-to-adopt-department-specific-uniforms/#commentsFiled under: ,

Much like crew of the Starship Enterprise, the roles played by employees at Apple Retail stores will be identifiable by the color of their shirts.

Now, before you confuse the guys in blue shirts for science officers and those in red for security, we'll explain how it's going to work. According to a post at ifoAppleStore, Geniuses and Creatives will wear dark blue. Specialists will wear light blue, and the Concierge will wear orange.

Also, orange shirts will bear the slogan, "I know people," while the dark blue will read, simply, "Business." Finally, the crew in the back room will wear the traditional black T-shirt, assuming the role of the guy you don't recognize in an away team who's sure to die.

One must imagine that the Concierge will console irate customers by offering them Earl Grey tea "...in my ready room."
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]]>apple retailapple storeAppleRetailAppleStoreretailDave Caolo2008-04-28T17:30:00+00:00Thus goeth down the Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/thus-goeth-down-the-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/thus-goeth-down-the-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/28/thus-goeth-down-the-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: ,

Shall I compare thee to a yellow sticky note?

Thou art more foreboding and less indicative of closure.

Rough winds do shake retail commerce before May

And downtime hath all too short a date.

Sometimes too excited the yellow sticky shines

And often is his gold complexion dimm'd

And sometimes when credit-cards decline

By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimm'd;

Thy momentary downtime does not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair new product;

Nor shall Apple introduce what wander'st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou waitest;

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,

Fair 3M's scrap of parchment shall cheer thee.


Thanks, verily, to all ye who have sent tidings of this news.
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]]>BeholdethDowntimeForsoothomgShakespeareSir JobsSirJobsStickystoretweet-thisYellowErica Sadun2008-04-28T07:39:00+00:00Fair Oaks, Va. Apple Store ready to openhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/fair-oaks-va-apple-store-ready-to-open/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/fair-oaks-va-apple-store-ready-to-open/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/fair-oaks-va-apple-store-ready-to-open/#commentsFiled under:

According to ifoAppleStore, Virginia's newest Apple Store will open this weekend at Fair Oaks. This time, Fairfax, Virginia will play host, joining McLean, Norfolk, Richmond and Arlington (they've got two. Lucky dogs).

Doors will open on Saturday, April 26th at 10 AM. As usual, we're asking any TUAW readers who visit this store over the weekend to share their stories and pictures. The first 1,000 people to show up will receive a T-shirt, but there won't be a big giveaway this time around (sorry, Fair Oaks!).
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]]>appleapple storeAppleStorefair oaksFairOaksretailvirginiaDave Caolo2008-04-21T21:00:00+00:00Apple wants to improve online shoppinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/apple-wants-to-improve-online-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/apple-wants-to-improve-online-shopping/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/21/apple-wants-to-improve-online-shopping/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Here's an interesting idea -- MacNN is reporting that Apple is working on new ways to improve online shopping. Apparently the biggest music seller in the US thinks that online shopping can feel "sterile and isolating." Hmm.

To counteract the isolation, Apple is reportly considering showing customers where other shoppers are in the virtual stores, and maybe even letting customers interact while shopping, via chat or other interfaces. This system would also allow for storewide announcements of special events or sales going down.

It's quite a concept -- online store as virtual space -- but the fact for me as a consumer is that I shop online mostly to avoid exactly those things (chatting with less knowledgeable customers and annoying store loudspeaker systems). Even if this idea makes it through the gauntlet and we see this type of thing in Apple's online shopping environments, I doubt the old methods of clicking and browsing by yourself are going away anytime soon.

[via MacRumors]
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]]>apple-storeatmosphereconsumeritunesonline-experienceonline-storevirtual-spaceMike Schramm2008-04-21T15:30:00+00:00Two more Apple Stores confirmed for New York Cityhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/18/two-more-apple-stores-confirmed-for-new-york-city/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/18/two-more-apple-stores-confirmed-for-new-york-city/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/18/two-more-apple-stores-confirmed-for-new-york-city/#commentsFiled under:

Cheer up, New Yorkers! Sure, the Red Sox beat your Yankees last night and you're now in 3rd place in the AL East, but there's good news, too!

ifoAppleStore is reporting that two new Apple Stores have been confirmed for The Big Apple. First, the borough of Brooklyn will host a store, either in the downtown area or in Williamsburg -- in other words, your guess is as good as ours.

The location of the 2nd store is more certain. Earlier this week, it was all but confirmed that a store will be built at 23 Wall Street. And don't worry, the construction workers have promised not to bury a Big Papi jersey in the foundation.
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]]>apple storeAppleStorenew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityretailDave Caolo2008-04-18T19:00:00+00:00Apple store sing-along (The store is down)http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-store-sing-along-ready-for-the-next-yellow-sticky/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-store-sing-along-ready-for-the-next-yellow-sticky/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-store-sing-along-ready-for-the-next-yellow-sticky/#commentsFiled under:

To the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". And a one. And a two....

Mine eyes have seen the Yellow sticky note of Apple's store

It is stuck upon the Apple page that we know and adore

It reminds us that tomorrow is a Tuesday once again

And the down time goes marching on....

Chorus:

Glory, glory, Apple Store-ia

Glory, glory, Apple Store-ia

Glory, glory, Apple Store-ia

The sticky marches on...

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]]>Apple StoreAppleStoreYellow StickyYellowStickyErica Sadun2008-04-08T08:13:00+00:00Apple to open 18th UK retail store in Bristolhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-to-open-18th-uk-retail-store-in-bristol/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-to-open-18th-uk-retail-store-in-bristol/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/08/apple-to-open-18th-uk-retail-store-in-bristol/#commentsFiled under: , ,


British readers listen up! If you're a resident west of London, your choices for UK Apple Stores are -- shall we say -- somewhat limited. With just one store in the southwestern part of the UK (Exeter), and one on the south coast in Southampton, Apple's retail clout has yet to extend to the area in between (such as to other larger cities like Bristol). Fear not though, as Apple is indeed planning to open an Apple Store in Bristol later in the year.

Apple has posted job vacancies for the (to be determined) location just today - meaning that the store will likely open in advance of Christmas. If you hear anything about the location, be sure to let us know.

Thanks to all those who sent this in!

Update: Multiple tipsters say the Cabot Circus development (scheduled to open in September) is home to the new store. Thanks folks!

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]]>apple-ukApple-UK-retailapplestoretweet-thisukNik Fletcher2008-04-08T01:00:00+00:00Apple logo installed at Boston's future Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/04/apple-logo-installed-at-bostons-future-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/04/apple-logo-installed-at-bostons-future-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/04/04/apple-logo-installed-at-bostons-future-apple-store/#commentsFiled under:

We're getting closer, Bostonians. The flagship Apple Store that we've been anticipating for more than a year is starting to resemble an Apple Store.

The folks at ifoAppleStore have a live webcam pointed towards the construction, and Flickr user kokernutz has posted a shot of the shrouded logo.

This store is on Boylston Street, directly across the street from The Prudential Center in Boston's upscale Back Bay. This will be the ninth store in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the first in Beantown. It's been suggested that it will open in May. I'll be there!
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]]>apple-storebostonretailDave Caolo2008-04-04T13:00:00+00:00New Jersey Apple Store ready to openhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/new-jersey-apple-store-ready-to-open/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/new-jersey-apple-store-ready-to-open/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/new-jersey-apple-store-ready-to-open/#commentsFiled under:

Doesn't "Cherry Hill" sound lovely? It will sound even sweeter for Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based Apple fans this weekend when a new Apple Store opens on Route 38, next to A|X Armani Exchange and Mo.Ao.C Cosmetics (that's right, a Mac store next to a MAC store). The doors will open at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29th. You can get full travel directions here. This will be The Garden State's 10th Apple Store.

Residents of Philadelphia will also benefit, as this store is about 5 miles away from town (for some reason, Philly itself still lacks an Apple Store).

As usual, we ask any TUAW readers who visit the store to share their stories and/or pictures.

Thanks, Rico!
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]]>apple storeAppleStorecherry hillCherryHillnew jerseyNewJerseyphiladelphiaretailDave Caolo2008-03-27T22:00:00+00:00Plan for financial success: 1. Steal iPhones, 2. ???, 3. Profit!http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/plan-for-financial-success-1-steal-iphones-2-3-profit/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/plan-for-financial-success-1-steal-iphones-2-3-profit/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/27/plan-for-financial-success-1-steal-iphones-2-3-profit/#commentsFiled under: ,

What do you get when you combine 332 iPhones and 2 crooked Apple employees? Felony theft charges, apparently, after a luckless pair of underhanded but enterprising Apple Store workers decided to set up their own iPhone shop using purloined stock from Uncle Steve. Now one is in the slammer, and the other is facing extradition to New Hampshire (from Massachussetts, not from the French Riviera -- too bad for him). This all goes to show, crime does not pay -- especially when you get caught with $132,000 of hot iPhones.

There is no official word as to what color t-shirts the thieves wore in their day-to-day work, or whether either of them could be reasonably classified as Apple Geniuses.

[Via Ars]

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]]>dumbiphonetheftTrue CrimeTrueCrimeErica Sadun2008-03-27T16:00:00+00:00CrossOver Games released, designed to play Windows games on Mac and Linuxhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/crossover-games-released-designed-to-play-windows-games-on-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/crossover-games-released-designed-to-play-windows-games-on-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/26/crossover-games-released-designed-to-play-windows-games-on-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Codeweavers has released CrossOver Games, a games-specific version of CrossOver, their Windows emulation software. Jeremy White has the story behind the release over on their blog -- apparently the application team wasn't working quite as quickly as they wanted, but the games team was chugging right along in terms of compatibility, so they decided to go ahead and ship what they'd done with games on its own.

The compatibility list isn't bad (most of the Steam stuff is on there, which is great, although it is a little weird that they brag about World of Warcraft and EVE Online, considering that those two run natively on Mac just fine; guess you Linux folks need your MMO fix, too) but nothing really jumps out here that might encourage you to use CrossOver rather than just, say, Boot Camp-ing the game up yourself. DirectX 10 is apparently causing problems, too, since neither Crysis, Gears of War, or Unreal Tournament III are on there.

Still, a valiant effort, and if you're desperate to get one of these games working and playable on your Mac (and don't have a spare copy of Windows sitting around to install with Boot Camp), CrossOver Games might be just what you need. TUAW is working on getting a copy of it, and as soon as we do, we'll run it through the grinder and see what we can get to come out the other side.

[Via DF]
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]]>crossover-gameseve-onlinegears-of-warunreal-tournament-3windowsworld-of-warcraftMike Schramm2008-03-26T22:00:00+00:00Apple retail job postings for Jackson, MShttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/18/apple-retail-job-postings-for-jackson-ms/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/18/apple-retail-job-postings-for-jackson-ms/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/18/apple-retail-job-postings-for-jackson-ms/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eagle-eyed TUAW reader Gary spotted this job posting over at Yahoo! advertising for Apple Retail workers in Jackson, Mississippi. As of this posting, there are no Apple Stores in Mississippi.

Thirty-seven out of our fifty United States have at least one Apple Store. Perhaps that's because California is hogging them all, topping the list with thirty-eight.

If any TUAW readers in the Jackson, MS area spot some suspicious construction, snap a photo and let us know. Here's hoping your store opens soon.

Thanks, Gary!
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]]>apple storeAppleStorejacksonmississippiretailDave Caolo2008-03-18T14:00:00+00:00UK Apple Store is DOWNhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/13/uk-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/13/uk-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/13/uk-apple-store-is-down/#commentsFiled under:

We wait for the results with breathless antici.. wait for it, wait for it ...pation. Let us know if you see anything new, exciting and British when the store returns. Like the iCrumpet or the Royal with Cheese.

Thanks to Joe B.

Update: Swedish, German and Norwegian stores down too.

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]]>The (UK) store is DOWNThe(uk)StoreIsDownYellow stickesYellowStickesErica Sadun2008-03-13T18:15:00+00:00Plans in place for a third Australian Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/plans-in-place-for-a-third-australian-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/plans-in-place-for-a-third-australian-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/12/plans-in-place-for-a-third-australian-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: ,

ifoAppleStore is reporting that plans are in place for a third Apple Store in Australia.

While construction on the Sydney store is underway and a Melbourne store is rumored to be planned for the Chadstone Shopping Centre, it looks like a third store will be build in Chatswood (north of Sydney).

Australia received a little attention from Apple earlier this year when iPhoto books, etc. became available for the first time.

If any of our friends in Australia snap a spy photo of these locations, please let us know!
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]]>apple storeAppleStoreaustraliaretailrumorsDave Caolo2008-03-12T14:00:00+00:00Apple to open first retail store in South Carolina?http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/apple-to-open-apple-retail-store-in-south-carolina/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/apple-to-open-apple-retail-store-in-south-carolina/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/11/apple-to-open-apple-retail-store-in-south-carolina/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ever since the CompUSA closings, South Carolina has definitely been lacking as far as Apple retailers go. We're one of those states without an official Apple Store, until now. According to a local news source in Charleston, South Carolina, an Apple Store is in the works and the permit application has already been submitted. The store has been planned, and hiring has already begun, but everything else has been kept quiet. According to the job listing, the store will be located on King Street in the downtown area. I am sure that I speak for most Mac users in South Carolina when I say that this store has been long awaited and much appreciated.

Charleston.net has a full article with pictures.

Thanks, Marc!
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]]>Apple StoreAppleStoreCharlestonretailSouth CarolinaSouthCarolinaCory Bohon2008-03-11T08:00:00+00:0060 "iStores" will open across Indiahttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/07/60-istores-will-open-across-india/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/07/60-istores-will-open-across-india/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/03/07/60-istores-will-open-across-india/#commentsFiled under:

There's a huge push in India right now by Reliance Digital to open 60 iStores across the nation's top twenty cities. The iStores will sell Apple products exclusively, and carry the full line, from consumer products to pro hardware.

Expect to see all sixty stores up and running within the next 18 months. We wonder how the interior design will look, and if it will resemble official Apple Stores.

If you visit one of these stores, please let us know! We'll be happy to share your photos and stories.

Thanks, Ravi!
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]]>indiaistorereliance digitalRelianceDigitalretailDave Caolo2008-03-07T08:00:00+00:00