Apple Store update allows use of Siri with app

The latest update to the Apple Store app isn't huge, but it does contain a couple of neat perks. Version 2.4 allows you to buy gift cards and email them to family and friends from the app. Those with iOS 6 will be able to use those gift cards with Passbook.

But the neatest thing about the update is that it integrates Siri into the app. You can now ask Siri to find prices and shop for Apple products. The urge to find the cost of a Lightning cable by voice alone ever strikes, now you can do so through the Apple Store app.

[Source: TUAW]

iPad minis sell out at 5th Ave Apple Store, moderate lines elsewhere

Unfazed by the still-lingering effects of Hurricane Sandy, near-record crowds descended upon the flagship Fifth Avenue Apple Store in Manhattan today, snapping up all of the white iPad minis on hand by 11:15 AM EDT and the last of the black models by 12:10 PM.

Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White reported that all three models of the white iPad mini were gone in just over an hour, with the 16 GB and 64 GB white minis selling out in about 30 minutes. For the black models, 16 and 32 GB versions sold out by by 11:40 AM, with the last of the 64 GB iPad minis heading out the door at about 12:10 PM.

[Source: TUAW - Click here to read more]

East Coast Apple Stores batten down for Hurricane Sandy

Just like most everyone else on the East Coast of the United States, Apple Stores in five states, D.C. and Canada are making preparations for "Frankenstorm" Hurricane Sandy. ifoAppleStore.com reports that between35 and 50 stores may close in the northeastern US and Canada (if they haven't already), as they are either within the expected landfall zone of Sandy or just outside it.

One of our readers has confirmed that Rhode Island and Boston area stores are shut. Meanwhile, two of Apple's flagship New York City stores have surrounded themselves with sandbags, with the Fifth Avenue store even wrapping Macs and other products in plastic bags as an extra precaution against water damage.

All of this goes to show that if Apple isn't taking chances with this megastorm, neither should you. If you live in the area expected to be affected by Hurricane Sandy, please take every precaution possible. Forewarned is forearmed.

[Source: TUAW]

Apple Store now has Lightning to HDMI and VGA adapters at $49 a pop, souped-up iPad charger

We noticed during the iPhone 5 launch that Apple had a big caveat with its Lightning to 30-pin adapter: no video or iPod out support. Now that the new iPads are here with that same connector, the problem's been partially rectified -- for a sum. Namely, you can grab the Lightning to VGA or digital AV (HDMI) adapters for a rather princely $49, though there's no sign of any iPod support yet. If you're still holding out for generic models instead, you may want to rethink that plan, as there's a control chip inside each, and so far only Apple holds the authentication keys. Also, a new $19 12W USB power adapter (which connects directly to the Lightning port) has also appeared for the 3rd and 4th generation iPads, bumping the previous version's 10W -- meaning your slate might get charged a bit quicker.

[Source: Engadget]

iMac ship times slip at some European Apple Stores

Rumors suggest Apple's upcoming October 23 event will also bring a much-needed refresh of the company's iMac and Mac mini line of computers. Adding some credence to the rumor is the observation from AppleInsider that iMac inventory is declining in some Apple online stores in Europe. Both the German and UK stores now have ship times of 1-3 days on their two iMac models. It's fair to note that this is not a widespread decline in supply, so it's possible this is an isolated incident, and the timing is coincidental.

[Source: TUAW]

Thieves smash car into Leawood, Kansas Apple Store

If you can't strong-arm your way past Apple's security, smash your car into the store instead. That's what someone or a group of people did at the Apple Store in Leawood, Kan., early this morning.

Fox 4 from Kansas City reports that police are looking for a suspect or multiple suspects that rammed a stolen Dodge into the front window of the Apple Store, grabbed merchandise and ran off. Police have not released a list of what was stolen as of yet.

It's not the first time this has happened to the Kansas City-area location. In 2010, the same thing happened at the same store, a commenter notes in this story of a similar smash and grab in Portland, but that time iPhones were stolen. Since then, the store has installed security gates.

[Source: TUAW]

Apple to open third Beijing Apple Store on iconic Wangfujing Street

Residents and visitors to China's capital, Beijing, will soon have a third Apple Store available for their shopping pleasure.

Chinese gadget site M.I.C. Gadget featured a group of photos today showing the construction site on Wangfujing Street in the Beijing City Center, less than a mile from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The store is located on a corner and it appears that it will feature a large curved glass curtain wall on the ground floor.

There's a huge display above the store, although it appears that it's used to advertise other stores in the Wangfujing district. M.I.C. Gadget speculates that the store could be a four-story affair, and unconfirmed rumors have the opening date listed as October 20.

[Source: TUAW]

Fifth-gen iPod touch and nano now in stores and in the mail

If you've been waiting impatiently to get your hands on the latest cellular radio-less iOS device, we've got good news. The fifth gen iPod touch with its elongated screen and colorful backplate is available today in Apple stores across the country. And, if you preordered the slinky aluminum and glass media player, it should already be in the mail. The latest edition of the nano, which is becoming more and more like its larger sibling the touch every day, is also popping up on shelves. The seventh generation of the tiny player, complete with multi touch screen and 16GB of storage, is cropping in Apple stores for $149 starting today. Let us know in the comments if you decided to pick up either device.

[Source: Engadget]

Hong Kong’s second Apple Store now official, opening in Kowloon on September 29th

As reported earlier, Hong Kong’s second Apple Store will open this week in Kowloon Tong in the Festival Walk shopping center.  Another store is rumored for Hysan Place in Causeway Bay.

Apple is also planning its first massive data center in the New Territories region of Hong Kong for opening early next year.

[Source: 9to5Mac]

Apple Store goes down ahead of iPhone announcement

With the big event only a few hours away Apple has already taken its shop offline. It's become standard practice for the Cupertino crew, so it's hardly a surprise. Still, it's a good sign that some new products will be available, at least for pre-order, starting today. Interestingly, the store isn't the only Apple property out of commission currently -- reports have been trickling in since yesterday that iCloud is out for some customers as well. The down time could just be a bug that needs fixing, but perhaps iCloud will also get some significant updates this morning to accompany the launch of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6.

[Source: Engadget]

Apple's New Barcelona Retail Store Opens July 28

Apple today announced that its new Passeig de Gràcia retail store in Barcelona, Spain will officially open this Saturday, July 28 at 10:00 AM.

The store has gained some notice for Apple's use of mosaics in the store's logo and construction barriers honoring the style of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, with the mosaics being made up of pieces of icons from Apple's iOS apps.

[Source: MacRumors]

A Trip Down (Apple) Memory Lane

Back in the day when Geekanoids was born, my primary focus was on all things Apple. In fact, the name I was better known by back then was 'davomrmac' due to my involvement with the Apple Discussions forum. My day-to-day work was that of a graphic designer and supporting the Mac & PC systems around me. I was the 'gadget man' that people turned to for advice.

My very first written review was the Tempo iPod Sports Wrap from Griffin in August 2006, follow by my first YouTube video, the Disko Case which can be seen below.

From quite an early stage I need to say a big thank you to Apple, they saw what I was trying to achieve and supported me with review products and even early access to some of their store openings. Both the Geekanoids 2nd Gen iPod Nano and 3rd Gen iPod Nano (see video below, no laughing please) were loaned to me by Apple. I remember jumping for joy when that first Nano was delivered. Getting recognition for the big 'A' was awesome. Of course it was a shame that the Nanos had to be returned after the loan period, but this is how the business works. It was the start of a great relationship that was followed by Apple TV's, laptops, software & numerous other devices. I felt very honoured and still do to this day.

Over the years of covering Apple product launches, some of my most memorable news moments are the Store Openings. These are really cool events, not product focussed at all, simply focussing on like-minded people celebrating a new beginning for a new store & staff. I have met many awesome people at the openings too, including some that I keep in touch with to this day. 
The photo to the left is from the Apple Store Bental Centre, which opened back on Saturday 17th February 2007. I was given the privilege of being allowed in the store before it opened to the public, to take up a prime position to take photos. It was so exciting seeing the first customer walking down the aisle. You can read all about it here.

Since attending & covering many of these events, I have thoroughly enjoyed all the new launches, including of course the iPhone & iPad excitement. To this day… I still get excited when something new is announced. There is nothing quite like opening a new Apple product & producing a video to share with everyone. I owe a big thank you to all my viewers, without whom the Geekanoids Channel would not exist. I also owe an epically big thank you to Apple for not only making great products, but also for believeing in Geekanoids.