Spotify hits growth spurt to 60M active users
Music-streaming service Spotify has grown substantially over the last year, new data from the company shows.By the end of 2014, Spotify had reached 15 million paid subscribers and 60 million active users worldwide, the streaming provider announced Monday. The company provided no other information on its growth.But Spotify's expansion does seem to be coming along nicely. In May, Spotify announced that it had reached 10 million paid subscribers and 40 million active users. In a span of seven months, therefore, the company had added 5 million paid subscribers and 20 million active users -- that is, its user ranks swelled by about 50 percent.In March 2013, Spotify said that it had 6 million paid subscribers, so in an earlier phase of growth it took the company over a year to add 4 million paid subscribers.Spotify is competing in a crowdedmosh pit ofmusic services, from Pandora to Google Play Music and from Amazon Music to iTunes Radio. One of the latest to enter the fray in the big US market, after establishing itself in scores of countries around the globe, is Deezer, often compared with Spotify. Deezer has formed partnerships with speaker makers Bose and Sonos, and just last week struck a deal with Cricket Wireless.A key component in Spotify's growth has been its willingness to let users stream content to mobile devices for free. Spotify's paid service costs customers $9.99 per month and allows for offline listening, no ads, and improved sound quality.Even with its growth, Spotify is still has some catching up to do. Pandora announced at the end of October that it had reached 76.5 million "active listeners." That was up nearly 4 million people compared from a year earlier.Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
iPhone 4 truth time- Which apps do you really use-
iPhone 4 truth time: Which apps do you really use?
Getting any new geek toy takes me through the usual unboxing and tinkering routines, particularly if it's the shiny black iPhone 4 (full CNET review) I just got in on preorder that's so coveted that people are willing to sell spots in line for Thursday's retail launch.Plugging the boxier, edgier iPhone 4 into iTunes was my first task. Staring at my roster of apps certainly forced me to consider which ones I use frequently enough to sync to this new, practically pristine device with its mere 18 preinstalled programs--only 14, really, if you don't count the phone, e-mail, Safari, and iPod buttons on the home screen.The nature of my job as a mobile-apps reviewer keeps me in a steady stream of newly downloaded apps to test, but even with the previous iPhone always in tote, there are only a handful of programs I use--really use--enough to warrant moving over from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 4.OK, so by "handful" I actually mean that more than two dozen apps are making the jump, including essential social-networking apps for Facebook, Twitter (like TweetDeck), and IM (Palringo and Meebo). There are media apps I'd like to have onhand (Slacker Radio, SoundHound, Photoshop.com, Photogene), and utilities (Documents To Go, ToDo, Wikiamo). Some lifestyle apps also make my personal cut (Movies, Top Shelf Drinks, Epicurious, Yelp, Zagat). The rest I'll live without for now until new iOS 4 features make them must-haves, or the need arises.On one hand it's nice to have iTunes transfer my purchases in a bundle to keep me from having to manually pick through the entire App Store, but syncing isn't a lickety-split process. The wait is especially aggravating if you can't wait to put your shiny, new hardware to the test out in the real world and far, far away from your computer. So a reminder if you've already got an iPhone but are upgrading to the new iPhone 4 in the next couple days: pick the bare essentials judiciously for instant transferring, or move over your apps after you're finished oohing and ahhing for the night. That goes double if you're moving over music as well.If you've got or are getting an iPhone 4, which apps make your list of iTunes transfers?
Getting any new geek toy takes me through the usual unboxing and tinkering routines, particularly if it's the shiny black iPhone 4 (full CNET review) I just got in on preorder that's so coveted that people are willing to sell spots in line for Thursday's retail launch.Plugging the boxier, edgier iPhone 4 into iTunes was my first task. Staring at my roster of apps certainly forced me to consider which ones I use frequently enough to sync to this new, practically pristine device with its mere 18 preinstalled programs--only 14, really, if you don't count the phone, e-mail, Safari, and iPod buttons on the home screen.The nature of my job as a mobile-apps reviewer keeps me in a steady stream of newly downloaded apps to test, but even with the previous iPhone always in tote, there are only a handful of programs I use--really use--enough to warrant moving over from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 4.OK, so by "handful" I actually mean that more than two dozen apps are making the jump, including essential social-networking apps for Facebook, Twitter (like TweetDeck), and IM (Palringo and Meebo). There are media apps I'd like to have onhand (Slacker Radio, SoundHound, Photoshop.com, Photogene), and utilities (Documents To Go, ToDo, Wikiamo). Some lifestyle apps also make my personal cut (Movies, Top Shelf Drinks, Epicurious, Yelp, Zagat). The rest I'll live without for now until new iOS 4 features make them must-haves, or the need arises.On one hand it's nice to have iTunes transfer my purchases in a bundle to keep me from having to manually pick through the entire App Store, but syncing isn't a lickety-split process. The wait is especially aggravating if you can't wait to put your shiny, new hardware to the test out in the real world and far, far away from your computer. So a reminder if you've already got an iPhone but are upgrading to the new iPhone 4 in the next couple days: pick the bare essentials judiciously for instant transferring, or move over your apps after you're finished oohing and ahhing for the night. That goes double if you're moving over music as well.If you've got or are getting an iPhone 4, which apps make your list of iTunes transfers?
Western Digital unveils new ShareSpace NAS server
Western Digital unveils new ShareSpace NAS server
Western Digital (WD), introduced on Tuesday its all-new NAS server called ShareSpace. The server somewhat resembles the design of the company's My Book external hard drives with easily accessible drive bays, eco-friendly hard drives, and quiet performance.The new NAS server has four hard-drive bays: each can accommodate a 3.5-inch SATA internal hard drive up to 1TB in capacity, making the server's total storage space up to 4TB. The four hard drives can be installed or removed completely without using a tool and set up in RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5 configurations. The NAS server features Gigabit Ethernet for network connectivity and three USB 2.0 ports for additional external storage or power management with a UPS unit. Unfortunately, these USB ports can't be used for any other USB-related functions such as print-serving or USB cameras.The ShareSpace offers a good set of features found collectively in other NAS servers including FTP, iTunes servers, HTTP and FTP download capabilities, free Web-access via MioNet, and support for Microsoft Active Directory. The server also comes with backup software licensed to be used with up to three computers. Its front USB port can be used to quickly back up the entire contents of an external hard drive, such as the WD My Passport or any other USB hard drive.The ShareSpace is equipped with WD's GreenPower hard drives, used also in the My Book series, that are said to use up to 33 percent less energy than other SATA hard drives. There are two versions of the ShareSpace, 2TB and 4TB, that cost $700 and $1,000, respectively, and both come with a three-year warranty.
Western Digital (WD), introduced on Tuesday its all-new NAS server called ShareSpace. The server somewhat resembles the design of the company's My Book external hard drives with easily accessible drive bays, eco-friendly hard drives, and quiet performance.The new NAS server has four hard-drive bays: each can accommodate a 3.5-inch SATA internal hard drive up to 1TB in capacity, making the server's total storage space up to 4TB. The four hard drives can be installed or removed completely without using a tool and set up in RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 5 configurations. The NAS server features Gigabit Ethernet for network connectivity and three USB 2.0 ports for additional external storage or power management with a UPS unit. Unfortunately, these USB ports can't be used for any other USB-related functions such as print-serving or USB cameras.The ShareSpace offers a good set of features found collectively in other NAS servers including FTP, iTunes servers, HTTP and FTP download capabilities, free Web-access via MioNet, and support for Microsoft Active Directory. The server also comes with backup software licensed to be used with up to three computers. Its front USB port can be used to quickly back up the entire contents of an external hard drive, such as the WD My Passport or any other USB hard drive.The ShareSpace is equipped with WD's GreenPower hard drives, used also in the My Book series, that are said to use up to 33 percent less energy than other SATA hard drives. There are two versions of the ShareSpace, 2TB and 4TB, that cost $700 and $1,000, respectively, and both come with a three-year warranty.
We're putting CNET video on every screen
We're putting CNET video on every screen
CNET's second-screen appAndroid and iOS tablet and mobile owners get a special treat later this month: a new CNET app called CNET Video+ that pairs with your TV or set-top box to provide extra context, polls, links, and more while you're watching CNET video. The apps will be available in the Google Play and iTunes stores and will work seamlessly with our Samsung Smart TV app. In early 2013, we'll roll out compatibility with many more partner brands and platforms.This is how you pair the CNET Video+ iOS or Android app with your TV.CNETCNET on RokuIf you currently own a Roku, you already get the CNET channel. But we've now updated our Roku app with a design overhaul, so it looks shiny-new. Check in and tell us what you think. CNET's native Android appYou've waited patiently, and now your patience will pay off. CNET's totally revamped Android app is now in the Google Play store.CNET on Windows 8Get the full lineup--world class tech reviews, reporting, photos, and video--on CNET's Windows 8 app. We keep you living in the future with award-winning tech coverage in a fast, beautiful, and easy-to-use package.
CNET's second-screen appAndroid and iOS tablet and mobile owners get a special treat later this month: a new CNET app called CNET Video+ that pairs with your TV or set-top box to provide extra context, polls, links, and more while you're watching CNET video. The apps will be available in the Google Play and iTunes stores and will work seamlessly with our Samsung Smart TV app. In early 2013, we'll roll out compatibility with many more partner brands and platforms.This is how you pair the CNET Video+ iOS or Android app with your TV.CNETCNET on RokuIf you currently own a Roku, you already get the CNET channel. But we've now updated our Roku app with a design overhaul, so it looks shiny-new. Check in and tell us what you think. CNET's native Android appYou've waited patiently, and now your patience will pay off. CNET's totally revamped Android app is now in the Google Play store.CNET on Windows 8Get the full lineup--world class tech reviews, reporting, photos, and video--on CNET's Windows 8 app. We keep you living in the future with award-winning tech coverage in a fast, beautiful, and easy-to-use package.
Country superstar Garth Brooks no longer a digital holdout, except for iTunes
Country superstar Garth Brooks no longer a digital holdout, except for iTunes
There's a certain purity about country music.It depicts a world in which there is love, heartbreak, trucks, cowboys, trains, guns, family, and dreams. Oh, and the open road. Life ought to be that simple, but cruder forms of music and technology have muddied its crystal waters.Indeed, another of the great principles of life has been compromised. Garth Brooks, the country singer whose success is legendary, is returning in November with a new album. "Album" is a term Brooks doesn't use lightly. He has always refused to have his music catalog dumped online, as he doesn't want the tasteless and unwashed cherry-picking of individual songs. An opus shouldn't be put in the hands of the hopeless.This time around, however, he is succumbing to the reality that everyone's phone is full of tunes. As my religious reading of Taste of Country tells me, Brooks is to send his new album out into the digital ether. However, he will not sully his hands with either streaming services or Apple's heinous iTunes. No, he will release the new music on his own Web site. To prepare for this, the site will have an official relaunch on July 15. One can only hope that it will cope with the sudden influx of the insanely frustrated, who will not only be able to download Brooks's new material but also the whole of his catalog.More Technically IncorrectSamsung smacks Apple again (twice)LeBron heads back to Cleveland. Was big data right?No, Apple, phones can't solve all parenting problemsPerhaps it seems archaic that Brooks, like AC/DC, refused for so long to let his music get iTuned. He believed he was fighting for the songwriters, the good people.Now even he has succumbed. No, he won't allow Apple to become his friend in a low place. However, in an interview -- on his own site, naturally -- Brooks claims he's introducing a new version of social media. "It's not for the world," he explained. Instead, it's "for you and me."You see, Brooks understands the new personalization.At heart, he's a businessman, one of the only ones to stand up to Steve Jobs and say: "Ain't Going Down."To which Jobs may have muttered: "You're no Dylan."
There's a certain purity about country music.It depicts a world in which there is love, heartbreak, trucks, cowboys, trains, guns, family, and dreams. Oh, and the open road. Life ought to be that simple, but cruder forms of music and technology have muddied its crystal waters.Indeed, another of the great principles of life has been compromised. Garth Brooks, the country singer whose success is legendary, is returning in November with a new album. "Album" is a term Brooks doesn't use lightly. He has always refused to have his music catalog dumped online, as he doesn't want the tasteless and unwashed cherry-picking of individual songs. An opus shouldn't be put in the hands of the hopeless.This time around, however, he is succumbing to the reality that everyone's phone is full of tunes. As my religious reading of Taste of Country tells me, Brooks is to send his new album out into the digital ether. However, he will not sully his hands with either streaming services or Apple's heinous iTunes. No, he will release the new music on his own Web site. To prepare for this, the site will have an official relaunch on July 15. One can only hope that it will cope with the sudden influx of the insanely frustrated, who will not only be able to download Brooks's new material but also the whole of his catalog.More Technically IncorrectSamsung smacks Apple again (twice)LeBron heads back to Cleveland. Was big data right?No, Apple, phones can't solve all parenting problemsPerhaps it seems archaic that Brooks, like AC/DC, refused for so long to let his music get iTuned. He believed he was fighting for the songwriters, the good people.Now even he has succumbed. No, he won't allow Apple to become his friend in a low place. However, in an interview -- on his own site, naturally -- Brooks claims he's introducing a new version of social media. "It's not for the world," he explained. Instead, it's "for you and me."You see, Brooks understands the new personalization.At heart, he's a businessman, one of the only ones to stand up to Steve Jobs and say: "Ain't Going Down."To which Jobs may have muttered: "You're no Dylan."
Could a Zune phone come with free music-
Could a Zune phone come with free music?
Now I understand why it's taking so long. According to this unsourced rumor at WMPoweruser, Microsoft is planning to allow mobile operators to be involved in the process of selling downloads. In other words, when you download a song from the Zune Marketplace to your Windows Mobile phone over 3G, your carrier will set the price and handle the billing. Adding a third party--the carriers--to your development process introduces delay.I believe the rumor for a couple reasons. The last time I talked to the Windows Mobile team, they emphasized that they consider carriers as a major customer, alongside end-users and handset makers. This is unlike Apple, which built the iPhone primarily to appeal to end-users, then told carriers they'd have to agree with Apple's terms to sell it--in other words, all downloads go through iTunes. Carriers want to keep control of the customer billing relationship, and they want to dictate prices for content downloads, especially ringtones. So I could see Microsoft capitulating here.Second, Microsoft acquired a company called Musiwave in 2007, and has posted job ads for developers to work for Musiwave to help power the Zune Marketplace. Musiwave was a provider of back-end platforms for carriers such as Orange and Vodafone. That kind of expertise could be helpful in transitioning the Zune Marketplace to a model in which some transactions are handled by carriers instead of Microsoft. Personally, I like Apple's all-in-one model, and if Microsoft's not careful, allowing the carriers in could create a usability nightmare. What if, for instance, Wi-Fi and PC downloads are handled by Microsoft, but 3G downloads are handled by carriers, leading to two bills and different prices for the same content? Epic fail. But I could see some advantages as well. For instance, today carriers subsidize the price of many phones (including, of course, the iPhone). What if Microsoft could convince them to subsidize the cost of a Zune Pass (Microsoft's all-you-can-hear subscription plan), or even build it into the monthly data plan fee? The result would be similar to Nokia's Comes With Music phones--a phone that offers you unlimited over-the-air music for a year or two. Whatever the case may be, we probably won't see any Zune-Windows Mobile integration until Windows Mobile 7, which won't be out until 2010. Follow Matt on Twitter
Now I understand why it's taking so long. According to this unsourced rumor at WMPoweruser, Microsoft is planning to allow mobile operators to be involved in the process of selling downloads. In other words, when you download a song from the Zune Marketplace to your Windows Mobile phone over 3G, your carrier will set the price and handle the billing. Adding a third party--the carriers--to your development process introduces delay.I believe the rumor for a couple reasons. The last time I talked to the Windows Mobile team, they emphasized that they consider carriers as a major customer, alongside end-users and handset makers. This is unlike Apple, which built the iPhone primarily to appeal to end-users, then told carriers they'd have to agree with Apple's terms to sell it--in other words, all downloads go through iTunes. Carriers want to keep control of the customer billing relationship, and they want to dictate prices for content downloads, especially ringtones. So I could see Microsoft capitulating here.Second, Microsoft acquired a company called Musiwave in 2007, and has posted job ads for developers to work for Musiwave to help power the Zune Marketplace. Musiwave was a provider of back-end platforms for carriers such as Orange and Vodafone. That kind of expertise could be helpful in transitioning the Zune Marketplace to a model in which some transactions are handled by carriers instead of Microsoft. Personally, I like Apple's all-in-one model, and if Microsoft's not careful, allowing the carriers in could create a usability nightmare. What if, for instance, Wi-Fi and PC downloads are handled by Microsoft, but 3G downloads are handled by carriers, leading to two bills and different prices for the same content? Epic fail. But I could see some advantages as well. For instance, today carriers subsidize the price of many phones (including, of course, the iPhone). What if Microsoft could convince them to subsidize the cost of a Zune Pass (Microsoft's all-you-can-hear subscription plan), or even build it into the monthly data plan fee? The result would be similar to Nokia's Comes With Music phones--a phone that offers you unlimited over-the-air music for a year or two. Whatever the case may be, we probably won't see any Zune-Windows Mobile integration until Windows Mobile 7, which won't be out until 2010. Follow Matt on Twitter
Apple stores still top earners per square foot, study says
Apple stores still top earners per square foot, study says
Apple's retail stores have once again nabbed the top spot when it comes to sales per square foot.According to research firm RetailSails, compared with more than 200 chains in 15 different retail genres, Apple brought in the most money per square foot at its stores during the year.RetailSailsAccording to the rankings (seen right), Apple made $6,050 per square foot during 2012, a little more than twice that of the runner-up, jewelry maker Tiffany & Co., which brought in $3,017 per square foot. By comparison, RetailSails pegged Apple for $5,626 per square foot in its 2011 listing, in which Apple also led the field.Despite topping the list for highest sales per square foot, Apple did not top a related list from RetailSailes tracking the highest sales per store. That honor went to Costco, with Apple coming in at ninth place, just below BJ's Wholesale and above Village Super Market. Dropping off the list from its spot at number 10 last year was big box retailer Best Buy, which is currently in the midst of restructuring.Apple's retail empire turned 11 this past May, and has proved to be an integral part of the company's success. Apple closed out its fiscal year at the end of September with 390 stores, and plans to open another 30 to 35 next year. The company's operations are under a closer watch given the recent departure of retail chief John Browett, who Apple last month said no longer works for the company. (Via AppleInsider)Related stories:Another Apple win: Retail sales per square footApple's fiscal 2012 in numbers: 125M iPhones, 58.31M iPadsApple's shopping for a new shopkeeper, again
Apple's retail stores have once again nabbed the top spot when it comes to sales per square foot.According to research firm RetailSails, compared with more than 200 chains in 15 different retail genres, Apple brought in the most money per square foot at its stores during the year.RetailSailsAccording to the rankings (seen right), Apple made $6,050 per square foot during 2012, a little more than twice that of the runner-up, jewelry maker Tiffany & Co., which brought in $3,017 per square foot. By comparison, RetailSails pegged Apple for $5,626 per square foot in its 2011 listing, in which Apple also led the field.Despite topping the list for highest sales per square foot, Apple did not top a related list from RetailSailes tracking the highest sales per store. That honor went to Costco, with Apple coming in at ninth place, just below BJ's Wholesale and above Village Super Market. Dropping off the list from its spot at number 10 last year was big box retailer Best Buy, which is currently in the midst of restructuring.Apple's retail empire turned 11 this past May, and has proved to be an integral part of the company's success. Apple closed out its fiscal year at the end of September with 390 stores, and plans to open another 30 to 35 next year. The company's operations are under a closer watch given the recent departure of retail chief John Browett, who Apple last month said no longer works for the company. (Via AppleInsider)Related stories:Another Apple win: Retail sales per square footApple's fiscal 2012 in numbers: 125M iPhones, 58.31M iPadsApple's shopping for a new shopkeeper, again
Apple stores ramp up iPhone trade-in program, report says
Apple stores ramp up iPhone trade-in program, report says
Apple is widely expected to hold an event unveiling the new iPhone on September 10, and the company is firing up a new trade-in service for its flagship smartphone in anticipation, according to a report on MacRumors.Word of such a service cropped up in June, when Bloomberg reported that Apple was working with Miami-based trade-in company Brightstar on a program that would let consumers bring in their used iPhones for a discount on newer models and potentially for credit on other items in Apple's stores. At the time, the program was said to be imminent that month, but little has been heard of it until Monday's report that Apple is starting to prepare retail workers. The first trainers are reportedly getting their instructions Monday, and they will begin teaching other employees about the program next week. Apple representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Next month's Apple event has the rumor mill churning out speculation at top speed, but the computer maker is generally expected to be introducing a high-end flagship iPhone, called the iPhone 5S, along with a lower-cost option, called the iPhone 5C.Reports later Monday from AllThingsD and TechCrunch reiterated movement by Apple to get the service off the ground, with the latter saying Apple is already piloting a program in some stores. Updated at 2:19 p.m. PT with further reports about the trade-in program.
Apple is widely expected to hold an event unveiling the new iPhone on September 10, and the company is firing up a new trade-in service for its flagship smartphone in anticipation, according to a report on MacRumors.Word of such a service cropped up in June, when Bloomberg reported that Apple was working with Miami-based trade-in company Brightstar on a program that would let consumers bring in their used iPhones for a discount on newer models and potentially for credit on other items in Apple's stores. At the time, the program was said to be imminent that month, but little has been heard of it until Monday's report that Apple is starting to prepare retail workers. The first trainers are reportedly getting their instructions Monday, and they will begin teaching other employees about the program next week. Apple representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Next month's Apple event has the rumor mill churning out speculation at top speed, but the computer maker is generally expected to be introducing a high-end flagship iPhone, called the iPhone 5S, along with a lower-cost option, called the iPhone 5C.Reports later Monday from AllThingsD and TechCrunch reiterated movement by Apple to get the service off the ground, with the latter saying Apple is already piloting a program in some stores. Updated at 2:19 p.m. PT with further reports about the trade-in program.
Apple stores get ready for Passbook payments
Apple stores get ready for Passbook payments
Apple customers will soon be able to pay for store items via the Passbook app, according to Tuaw and 9to5Mac.Citing an "unnamed Apple source," TUAW said the company will update the EasyPay software used by store employees to scan Passbook-enabled Apple Store gift cards.Slated to roll out soon, the update would let iPhone and iPod Touch owners with Passbook pay for items using payment card codes, 9to5Mac said.In preparation, Apple has reportedly just finished replacing the cases on the EasyPay-equipped iPod Touch units used by store staffers in order to allow access to the rear camera. Previous cases obscured the lens, which would have preventing the devices from scanning the Apple Store cards.Already used by Starbucks and other retailers, Passbook lets customers pay for items via store cards, eliminating the need for cash or credit cards. Coupons, tickets, loyalty cards, and other items can also be stored in Passbook.It seems a natural move for Apple to adopt its own payment app at its retail stores.Apple Store customers can currently use the Apple Store app to pay for an item online and then pick it up at their local store. They can also tap into the EasyPay feature to pay for products themselves without having to go through a salesperson. In both cases, an electronic copy of the receipt is downloaded to the customer's device.Related storiesGetting started with Passbook on iOS 6Giving Apple's Passbook a real-world spinHow to add almost any gift card to PassbookHow to use Passbook passes on Android with PassWalletUsing Passbook is the next logical step in these paperless transactions. Passbook support may be restricted to Apple's prepaid gift cards for now, TUAW added.But if the program takes off, the company will certainly want to expand it and perhaps offer its own store cards just like other vendors.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive a response.Updated story 7:00 a.m. PT to list 9to5Mac as source.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple customers will soon be able to pay for store items via the Passbook app, according to Tuaw and 9to5Mac.Citing an "unnamed Apple source," TUAW said the company will update the EasyPay software used by store employees to scan Passbook-enabled Apple Store gift cards.Slated to roll out soon, the update would let iPhone and iPod Touch owners with Passbook pay for items using payment card codes, 9to5Mac said.In preparation, Apple has reportedly just finished replacing the cases on the EasyPay-equipped iPod Touch units used by store staffers in order to allow access to the rear camera. Previous cases obscured the lens, which would have preventing the devices from scanning the Apple Store cards.Already used by Starbucks and other retailers, Passbook lets customers pay for items via store cards, eliminating the need for cash or credit cards. Coupons, tickets, loyalty cards, and other items can also be stored in Passbook.It seems a natural move for Apple to adopt its own payment app at its retail stores.Apple Store customers can currently use the Apple Store app to pay for an item online and then pick it up at their local store. They can also tap into the EasyPay feature to pay for products themselves without having to go through a salesperson. In both cases, an electronic copy of the receipt is downloaded to the customer's device.Related storiesGetting started with Passbook on iOS 6Giving Apple's Passbook a real-world spinHow to add almost any gift card to PassbookHow to use Passbook passes on Android with PassWalletUsing Passbook is the next logical step in these paperless transactions. Passbook support may be restricted to Apple's prepaid gift cards for now, TUAW added.But if the program takes off, the company will certainly want to expand it and perhaps offer its own store cards just like other vendors.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive a response.Updated story 7:00 a.m. PT to list 9to5Mac as source.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple stores batten down their hatches for Sandy
Apple stores batten down their hatches for Sandy
Apple is among countless retailers striving to defend their East Coast stores against the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy.The company has already closed some stores in New York and four other states, as well as in Washington, D.C., and is bracing for potential flooding and other damage, says blog site ifoAppleStore.At least 35 Apple stores are within the hurricane's landfall zone as predicted by the National Weather Service, ifoAppleStore said, while another 15 are right outside the zone, including those in New York City and areas north of the city.Apple stores across Manhattan were closed as of Sunday night. But Apple staffers were still busy placing sandbags around the stores to defend against possible flooding. Employees at the city's Fifth Avenue store also wrapped plastic around the display tablets to protect the products from damage.Related storiesHurricane Sandy: Keeping tabs onlineNASA satellites watch as Sandy intensifies (pictures)Hurricane Sandy blows down paywalls at NY Times, WSJGoogle cancels Monday's Android event over hurricaneStores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other nearby states reportedly closed early Sunday, while employees were told that they might be closed Monday and Tuesday, according to 9to5Mac. But damage could extend as far north as Canada, where Apple has some stores in and around Toronto.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive any information.
Apple is among countless retailers striving to defend their East Coast stores against the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy.The company has already closed some stores in New York and four other states, as well as in Washington, D.C., and is bracing for potential flooding and other damage, says blog site ifoAppleStore.At least 35 Apple stores are within the hurricane's landfall zone as predicted by the National Weather Service, ifoAppleStore said, while another 15 are right outside the zone, including those in New York City and areas north of the city.Apple stores across Manhattan were closed as of Sunday night. But Apple staffers were still busy placing sandbags around the stores to defend against possible flooding. Employees at the city's Fifth Avenue store also wrapped plastic around the display tablets to protect the products from damage.Related storiesHurricane Sandy: Keeping tabs onlineNASA satellites watch as Sandy intensifies (pictures)Hurricane Sandy blows down paywalls at NY Times, WSJGoogle cancels Monday's Android event over hurricaneStores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other nearby states reportedly closed early Sunday, while employees were told that they might be closed Monday and Tuesday, according to 9to5Mac. But damage could extend as far north as Canada, where Apple has some stores in and around Toronto.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we receive any information.
Apple Store opens online in China
Apple Store opens online in China
Apple has launched an online Apple Store in China.Opening for business yesterday, the new Chinese version of the Apple Store lets customers in China buy iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products online. Beyond providing the traditional Apple lineup, the store is also selling certain third-party products. Apple is offering free shipping and discounts for students and teachers.Shoppers can also get free personalized engraving on an iPod or iPad and can configure Macs with the options and features they want, Apple said. And prepping for the holiday season, Apple is offering personalized gift wrapping on the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other products."We are thrilled to open our newest online store in China," Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said in a statement. "With personalized engraving, configure-to-order options, and free shipping on everything, the Apple Store is a great destination for our customers in China."Beyond the new Apple Store, users in China can now access Apple's App Store in Simplified Chinese, featuring local apps and charts of China's most popular paid and free apps.The iPhone without Wi-Fi capability has been available in China for the past year. But it wasn't until last month that Apple introduced a Wi-Fi-enabled version of the iPhone 4 and the Wi-Fi-only edition of the iPad.Liu Chuanzhi, chairman of China-based PC maker Lenovo, told the Financial Times in July that Apple is missing a tremendous opportunity in China. Chuanzhi was quoted as saying: "We are lucky that Steve Jobs has such a bad temper and doesn't care about China. If Apple were to spend the same effort on the Chinese consumer as we do, we would be in trouble."But Apple has been pushing to make a greater dent in the Chinese market. In addition to its new online store, the company has launched retail outlets in China this year. Starting with its existing stores in Shanghai and Beijing, Apple has said it plans to open up a total of 25 retail outlets in China by the end of 2011.
Apple has launched an online Apple Store in China.Opening for business yesterday, the new Chinese version of the Apple Store lets customers in China buy iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products online. Beyond providing the traditional Apple lineup, the store is also selling certain third-party products. Apple is offering free shipping and discounts for students and teachers.Shoppers can also get free personalized engraving on an iPod or iPad and can configure Macs with the options and features they want, Apple said. And prepping for the holiday season, Apple is offering personalized gift wrapping on the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other products."We are thrilled to open our newest online store in China," Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said in a statement. "With personalized engraving, configure-to-order options, and free shipping on everything, the Apple Store is a great destination for our customers in China."Beyond the new Apple Store, users in China can now access Apple's App Store in Simplified Chinese, featuring local apps and charts of China's most popular paid and free apps.The iPhone without Wi-Fi capability has been available in China for the past year. But it wasn't until last month that Apple introduced a Wi-Fi-enabled version of the iPhone 4 and the Wi-Fi-only edition of the iPad.Liu Chuanzhi, chairman of China-based PC maker Lenovo, told the Financial Times in July that Apple is missing a tremendous opportunity in China. Chuanzhi was quoted as saying: "We are lucky that Steve Jobs has such a bad temper and doesn't care about China. If Apple were to spend the same effort on the Chinese consumer as we do, we would be in trouble."But Apple has been pushing to make a greater dent in the Chinese market. In addition to its new online store, the company has launched retail outlets in China this year. Starting with its existing stores in Shanghai and Beijing, Apple has said it plans to open up a total of 25 retail outlets in China by the end of 2011.
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