Friday November 06, 2009 06:54 PM
A new report from OTR Global relayed by AppleInsider indicates that Apple is planning on manufacturing new hybrid iPhones that will support both Verizon's CDMA2000 network as well as the UMTS 3G network. Only the UMTS network is supported by the current version of the iPhone and is used by AT&T and much of the rest of the world.
Qualcomm's new hybrid CDMA/WCDMA chip offers the potential for a single, global iPhone that users can take to any major carrier, solving the network fractionalization problem. It also solves other issues that had served as roadblocks, including the issue of user confusion that would result from Apple selling separate CDMA and GSM/UMTS versions of the iPhone.
The reason behind building in such support would seem primarily to extend the iPhone's compatibility with Verizon in the U.S. The move is expected to take place by the 3rd quarter of 2010. Conveniently, AT&T's exclusivity contract with Apple is believed to expire in mid 2010.[ 162 comments ]
Friday November 06, 2009 05:39 PM
In a brief press release today, RadioShack announced that it will begin selling the iPhone starting with the Dallas-Fort Worth and New York City markets later this month. RadioShack plans to sell the iPhone across the U.S. in 2010.
"As part of its ongoing mobility strategy, RadioShack is pleased to announce that it will introduce Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in a limited number of company-owned stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth and New York City metropolitan areas beginning later this month. RadioShack expects to introduce iPhone in stores nationwide in 2010. For more information about exact store locations and product availability, visit www.radioshack.com. For more information about iPhone, visit www.apple.com/iphone."
Last year The Boy Genius Report reported that Best Buy and Radio Shack would begin selling the iPhone. Best Buy began selling the iPhone in September 2008.[ 56 comments ]
Friday November 06, 2009 02:39 PM
With Reserve and Pick Up, you can make sure the top things on your list are definitely under the tree. Reserve an iPod or Mac online today and it will be waiting for you to pick up and purchase at an Apple Retail Store from December 15 to 24. You can even have many products wrapped. It's just another way we make it even easier to get through the holiday crowds -- and your gift list.
The program looks to streamline the purchasing process for those who reserve hardware ahead of time and ensures that customers won't face out-of-stock issues encountered when attempting to purchase on the spot. The program also offers gift wrapping in the company's "signature gift box" for an additional $5.00 charge for iPods and notebook computers. The program is currently featured prominently on the company's retail store sites in the US, UK, and Australia, and also appears to be available in Canada.[ 39 comments ]
Friday November 06, 2009 12:36 PM
The store, located on the Upper West Side at Broadway and 67th Street, is well-positioned to get attention from the crowds and the TV cameras that will line the avenue for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade less than two weeks later.
ifoAppleStore previewed the new store earlier this month, showing off the "curtain" barrier currently shielding the store from public view and a high-level view of the store's unique glass roof and curving façade.
[ 70 comments ]
Friday November 06, 2009 10:38 AM
Apple today began notifying purchasers of its iTunes LP offerings that updated versions compatible with the new Apple TV 3.0 software are now available for download. Apple delivered the Apple TV 3.0 software update to users last week, bringing a number of new features including iTunes LPs, iTunes Extras, Genius Mixes, and Internet radio to the company's set-top television box.
With the latest versions of iTunes (9.0.2) and Apple TV software (3.0), you can now use iTunes LP on your Apple TV. We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with (your purchase) so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC. It is available for you to download now, free of charge.
Apple introduced its iTunes LP offering of enhanced album content in early September, and evidence had suggested that the format was designed with the Apple TV in mind. It appears, however, that a slight tweak to Apple's original Apple TV 3.0 software plans required the company to alter the iTunes LP format. This in turn required users who downloaded early versions of iTunes LPs to update to the new revised versions compatible with the full range of Apple devices.[ 29 comments ]