MacRumors has heard from multiple sources that Apple is planning to release a (presumably free) Concierge app for the iPhone and iPod touch that would:

…provide many of the same functions available through the company’s retail store online reservations system, allowing customers to schedule Genius Bar and One to One appointments from their mobile devices. Sources have also indicated that the application will allow users to keep tabs on their premium membership subscriptions offered by the company.

Since the current option is via the web (screen shot above), it sounds good to us. If wanted to schedule service or training for your iPhone, Mac, or other Apple gear, would you use it?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Retail to Release Concierge App for iPhone?

Up until now, the only places to get iPhone 3G in Canada were Rogers and their subsidiary Fido. Apple Retail Stores didn’t carry them.

Friday, with the introduction of the iPhone 3G S, that changes. Per Apple mailing:

Available at the Apple Retail Store June 19th. Stores open at 8:00am.

Which may be up to 2 hours earlier than your local Rogers/Fido store to boot. You can also book a personal shopping appointment to help you get in and out faster if you so choose. (Though we can’t imagine spaces will last long).

So, Canadians, who’s going to Rogers/Fido, and who’s going to Apple Retail?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

iPhone 3G S (Finally!) Available via Apple Retail Canada

Well, not strictly speaking, as some Apps are being discounted for more than just the day, and others have even gone up in price, but if you check out sites like AppShopper’s Price Tracker, you can see that some bargains are to be had!

Some deals are sure sweeter than what Apple Retail is offering off the iPhone (nothing!) and iPod Touch (a tiny bit!).

I might just pick up BeeJive for $9. If you find any sweet App deals, or any great deals on iPhone/iPod Touch outside Apple, please let us know in the comments!

Meanwhile, here’s what MacRumors has singled out:

• Ambrosia (Now $0.99): Mr. Sudoku, Mondo Solitaire, Aki Mahjong.
• Igloo Games (Now $0.99): Dizzy Bee
• Gameloft ($2 off): Diamond Twister, Brain Challenge, Backgammon Classics, Block Breaker Deluxe 2, Midnight Bowling,
• EA ($2 off): SCRABBLE, Spore Origins, TETRIS
• Pangea (Now $0.99): Cro-Mag Rally, Bugdom 2, Enigmo.
• Free for Limited Time: 2079, 300 Bowl HTG, TapToDo, Pathways.
• Others: Classics ($0.99), CameraBag ($0.99), BeehiveIM ($15.99->$9.99)

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Black Friday Sales = App Discounts!

Since you can’t buy an iPhone 3G without signing up for an AT&T (or insert international carrier) contract, it kind of destroys the potential of giving an iPhone as a gift (cramming a whole kiosk into gift box would be killer!). So, what to do, what to do? TUAW says, Apple to the rescue!

Give someone an iPhone 3G Gift Card and when the lucky recipient comes in to redeem it, an Apple Retail Store Specialist will take care of every detail. The Specialist will get your recipient’s iPhone 3G up and calling, set up email, and help customize the Home screen, choose some great iPhone applications, personalize ringtones, and find favorite songs.

Does this make the iPhone 3G a more appealing gift possibility to anyone? Would opening an envelope and finding a shiny new iPhone 3G gift certificate, rather than an iPhone itself, be as glee worthy?

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Introduces iPhone Gift Certificates!

Apple has begun sending out notices about their annual “Black Friday” sale, so named because it’s theoretically a shopping day so monumental it tips the retail balances out of the red (losing money) and into the black (making profit). Years past have seen $100 off MacBooks, for example, though rumors this year suggest Apple might be more aggressive with their sale.

Cyber Monday, the trendy follow-up where people have mulled over everything they didn’t buy on Black Friday and make use of once-were-faster office internet connections to order stuff online, is typically ignored by Apple, so those wanting even a little savings should definitely not miss out Friday.

Will iPhone’s see any discount love? We don’t expect so, given their already hugely subsidized price, but we remain ever hopeful!

So far we’ve gotten notices in the US (where it follows the Thanksgiving holiday), and Canada (where it follows just another work day). Anyone else get a notice for their country? Please post in the comments!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Announces Black Friday Sale

Apple Insider is reporting that, rather than layoffs like Palm or unpaid vacation like Dell’s exploring, which would certainly paint a less-than-rosy glow about the company, Apple:

…plans to scale back the hours worked by its part-time Mac Specialists that greet customers and promote products. This would keep them on the store floors while trimming employment costs, those aware of the changes say. To compensate for the shortfall, Geniuses normally assigned to servicing products and answering questions will be asked to spend four of their weekly hours in the Mac Specialist role. Creatives manning the Studio sections of some stores will be asked to work as many as eight hours selling products.

Less person hours, however, is still less person hours. Here’s wishing all the ever-helpful staff at Apple Retail, the great folks at Palm, and everyone at Dell a speedy return to the work they love (and need!), and everyone a little global confidence, a modicum of collective good fortunte, and a lot of responsible leadership moving forward!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Economy Now: Apple’s Non-Layoff Cost Cutting