Taking aim: Google allegedly working hard to make sure Android Wear works with iOS
World news is awash with articles about the Apple Watch today, and frankly if you manage to see this article, it will be somewhat of a miracle. However, behind the scenes Google is apparently readying its counterattack, but what is this counterattack? Well, as The Verge is reporting, the Android Wear operating system team at Google is apparently “finishing the final technical details” of making sure Android Wear works with iOS, a step that likely wouldn’t explicitly affect the popularity of the Apple Watch, but would crucially give iOS users something that their own ecosystem doesn’t allow them by nature – variety and choice.
Yes, if Android Wear worked on iOS, iOS users could choose to have a smartwatch that didn’t necessarily need to look like an Apple Watch and still have pretty much all the same functionality. Of course, there are a few glaring obstacles that need to be overcome, the largest of which would be getting an Android Wear app approved in the Apple App Store, which when said that way seems nigh on impossible. Nevertheless, it would be a brave and great move if Google were able to offer Android Wear devices on the iOS platform, but we’ll have to see if it pans out that way.
What do you think about Android Wear devices being used with iOS? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Verge via Droid-life
The post Taking aim: Google allegedly working hard to make sure Android Wear works with iOS appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Here’s where you can get the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in the US
Today’s the big day, three of the most anticipated phones of 2015 have now arrived to the U.S.! While you’ve been able to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and HTC One M9 for a little while now, starting today you’ll be able to pick up the phone through your favorite brick-and-mortar locations or you’ll be able to snag the handset of your choice online for immediate shipping.
We’ll be publishing an article about where to buy the HTC One M9 in the US a bit later today, but for now let’s focus on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.
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U.S. Carriers
All four major US carriers now have the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in stock, as does the fifth largest carrier, US Cellular. For those interested in going the prepaid route, so far Boost Mobile appears to be your only option for the Galaxy S6 (S6 Edge isn’t an option).
AT&T
![AT&T logo [aa] (4)](https://i0.wp.com/cdn02.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ATT-logo-aa-4.jpg?resize=640%2C390){kind=logo}
AT&T customers can get the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in white, black, or gold color choices and with storage configuration options of 32,64, or 128GB. Pricing varies considerably, depending on if you’re going with AT&T Next, a contract, or paying outright. AT&T Next pricing for the GS6 and GS6 Edge will be dependent of the model you choose, the version of Next you use (Next 12 or Next 18).
The on contract pricing for the Galaxy S6 begins at $199, tapping out at $399.99 for the 128GB model. Outright pricing starts at $684.99 and goes as high as $884.99.
As for the Galaxy S6 Edge, on contract pricing begins at $299.99 and goes up to $499.99 for the 128GB version. Outright pricing for the 32GB model is $814.99 and goes up all the way to $1014.99 for the 128GB model.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on one of the links below:
Verizon
Like AT&T, Verizon is offering up both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge in storage sizes of 32, 64, and 128GB. The ame black, gold, and white color choices are also available. Pricing for Verizon is $199.99 with 2-year contract for the Galaxy S6 32GB, $299.99 for 64GB, and $399.99 for 128GB. Verizon also is offering the phone through its Edge program starting at $24.99 a month, or outright starting at $599.99 and tapping out at $799.99.
Pricing for the Verizon Galaxy S6 is $199.99 with 2-year contract for 32GB, $299.99 for 64GB, and $399.99 for 128GB. Verizon also is offering the phone through its Edge program starting at $24.99 a month, or outright starting at $599.99 and tapping out at $799.99.
The Galaxy S6 Edge is a little higher, starting at $299 for a 2-year contract, with the 64GB and 128GB models costing $399.99 and $499.99, respectively. Verizon Edge plans begin at $29.16 a month, and full retail pricing starts at $699.99.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on one of the links below:
Sprint
While Sprint does offer all three storage configurations for the Galaxy S6, the GS6 Edge is only offered in 32 or 64GB storage configurations. Both phones are also only limited to the colors of black or white.
As for pricing, Sprint offers multiple ways to pay, including 12 or 24 month leasing, a 24-month “Easy Pay” program, a traditional contract, or buying the phone outright.
For those interested in leasing, Sprint is offering a $20 credit for the 24-month lease that covers the cost of the 32GB Galaxy S6 completely, or helps complement the cost of leasing higher capacity models of the Galaxy S6 or the S6 Edge. To get the credit, you’ll have to bundle the lease with a qualifying phone plan. Easy Pay, on the other hand, is zero down for either the Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, though the monthly payments will differ depending on the size of the phone and whether or not you’re going with the Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge.
Contract pricing for the Galaxy S6 is set at $199.99, $299.99, and $399.99 for the 32, 64, and 128GB models – respectively. Off-contract, outright pricing begins at $648 for the Galaxy S6, with the 64GB model costing $768 and the 128GB model costing $864.
Contract pricing for the Galaxy S6 Edge is set at $299.99 for the 32GB model and $399.99 for the 64GB version. Outright pricing is $768 and $864, respectively.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on one of the links below:
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers all three color choices available in the United States, and all three storage configurations. One big advantage found with T-Mobile over the others is a free year of Netflix.
As for pricing, the Galaxy S6 is $679.92, $759.99, and $859.99 for the 32, 64, and 128GB models respectively. Payment plans are zero down and $28.33 a month for the 32GB model, $99.99 down ana $27.50 a month for the 64GB, and $199.99 down and $27.50 for the 128GB.
The Galaxy S6 Edge is priced at $779.76, $859.83, and $959.83 respectively. The payment plan for the 32GB model requires zero down and $32.49 a month, the 64GB model is $99.99 down and $31.66 a month, and the 128GB model is $199.99 down and $31.66 a month.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on one of the links below:
US Cellular
US Cellular carries both the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, but only in white or black with storage options of only 32 or 64GB. On-contract Galaxy S6 pricing is set at $199.99 for 32GBs, or $299.99 for 64GBs. Outright pricing is $680 and $770 respectively.
For the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, you’ll pay $299.99 on-contract for the 32GB model or $399.99 for the 64GB model. Outright pricing is $790 and $880 respectively.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on one of the links below:
Prepaid options
Boost only offers the 32GB Galaxy S6, and the pricing structure is pretty straightforward. You can pick up the device in black for $649.99 by following the link below.
Retailers
Tthere are a number of retailer partners (online and in-store) where you can pick up the Galaxy S6 and sign up for service with your favorite carrier. Here’s a list of some of the best places to begin your search for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge:
Interestingly enough, Staples seems to be the only one currently offering the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge unlocked, though I’m sure this will change in the hours and days to come.
Know of any other great places to buy, or special promos going on for the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge? Be sure to let us know in the comments. We’ll also be sure to update this post in the days to come as we learn more about possible promotions and deals related to Samsung’s latest devices.
5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly
brightcove.createExperiences();
Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly! Here are your headlines this week:
- A new study came out this last week that shows that three out of the top four regularly used apps belonged to Facebook. The main app, Whatsapp, and Instagram, all owned by Facebook, are in the top four with Blackberry Messenger clocking in at number two. Also up there is Twitter, Snapchat, WeChat, and an app called Average.
- While we’re on the subject of Facebook, they’ve also started testing out WhatsApp integration. In some apps, you now have the option to send things to people directly over WhatsApp from the Facebook app which is interesting because the services have remained separate for so long. It’s not available for everyone, so if you want to try it, patience.
- A new Humble Bundle is out now. You can pay whatever you want and get Bounden, Auro, and Avernum: Escape From the Pit. If you pay the average, which is around $4.18, you get 80 Days, Kingdom Rush Origins, and Riddick: The Merc Files. As always, it’s a great way to give to charity and buy some awesome games.
- Reports are out that say that YouTube is preparing to launch a subscription option that removes advertising from all videos. They’re still working out the details and we don’t know how much it’ll cost, but we do know that it is happening. Soon you can pay to remove all ads from YouTube.
- In our last bit of news this week, Amazon Prime Instant Video now officially works on Android tablets. This was some key functionality that’s been missing for a long time but now it’s there and you can watch it. It’s a little convoluted to install and it’s a bit shaky to use but it’s there. Now, we wait for Chromecast support.
If you want to see even more headlines, updates, and new releases, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter. We send it out every Friday along with the show so give it a bookmark and check out all of this week’s biggest Android apps and games news. You can also sign up with your email address if you want to.
Subscribe to our Android Apps Weekly newsletter!
Playworld Superheroes
[Price: $3.99]
Playworld Superheroes is a new kids game that’s a mixture of a crafting game and an action-adventure game. Players can craft various costumes and such in the treehouse and then take to the streets to thwart bad guys. The graphics and game play mechanics are phenomenal and this is definitely a step above most kids games. There are also no in-app purchases which will make parents happy and there are even some lessons to be learned from the game. It hits all the right notes and is worth a try.
AppSlinger
[Price: Free]
AppSlinger is an application that helps you find other applications. The premise is pretty simple because it only shows you applications that are free to use. This is great for Android users on a budget and those who don’t want to go surfing through the Play Store to find good free stuff. The recommendations are customizable and the app claims to never show you the same app twice. It’s interesting and so far has really good ratings so it’s worth a shot.
KX Music Player
[Price: Free]
KX Music Player is a free music app with a dark theme and some basic features. It’s not trying to compete with something like PowerAmp but it’s a good option for those looking for something minimal, small, and simple. It has a built-in equalizer including bass boost and sound effects and basic controls like editing playlists and using shuffle/repeat. It is simple and it does lack some features but it is also entirely free.
KromacelliK
[Price: $0.99].
KromacelliK is a unique game where you play as a cell as you make your way around a strange world by moving other microbes and cells out of your way. The mechanics are simple and the graphics are colorful and retro. It also features an ambient soundtrack. It’s definitely a design and game type we don’t see every day and it’s exploration-style game play is quite enjoyable. Thankfully, it’s only $0.99 and there are no in-app purchases.
Adventures of Poco Eco
[Price: $1.98]
Adventures of Poco Eco is a beautifully designed adventure game with colorful, 3D graphics and a story that has you helping Poco find his tribe. It features atmospheric music, simple game mechanics, and really focuses more on the whole experience than any individual part of the game. It’s a mixture of a puzzler and an adventure game and it really is a joy to play. It’s $1.98 and there are no in app purchases for this one either.
Wrap up
If we missed any great Android apps and games news, let us know in the comments!
Lumia 930 users can grab Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 with Windows Insider app
Although the Lumia 930 was excluded from the Windows 10 preview today due to a scaling issue, users can get Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.
Earlier, we reported that some users are seeing Update 2 on their phones and not getting Windows 10. Microsoft has started a thread in their support forums to try and figure out why. However, for Lumia 930 users, it looks like you can just upgrade to Update 2 and not get Windows 10.
Google is pursuing the development of next-gen battery technology
While it seems as though current lithium-ion batteries in the tech world are slowly improving, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for companies to build high-end devices that won’t waste precious battery life. A number of research labs and universities are trying to solve this battery problem, but not many have been successful in recent years. One of the latest companies to research heavily into new battery tech is Google, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal.
The group that is currently working on this new battery tech comes from the Google X research labs and is led by former Apple battery expert Dr. Ramesh Bhardwaj. According to “people familiar with the matter”, Google’s team originally began testing other companies’ batteries for use in Google’s own products. Since 2012, the team has shifted its efforts into building battery tech that Google will end up producing itself. The team of Google X lab workers only consists of four members, including Dr. Bhardwaj.
The Wall Street Journal explains:
At Google, Dr. Bhardwaj’s group is trying to advance current lithium-ion technology and the cutting-edge solid-state batteries for consumer devices, such as Glass and Google’s glucose-measuring contact lens, according to the people familiar with the matter.
Whatever Google is working on could progress the state of thin-film batteries to eventually be used in smartphones, wearables and even in devices that could be implanted into the human body.
The report doesn’t comment on the specific technology that Google is working on or when we can expect to see it in the real world. While this whole story is a little scarce on details, we’re happy to hear Google may be putting its resources towards an area that really needs it.
Apple Watch retail experience
Starting today you can make an appointment at your local Apple Retail Store, or simply drop by, and try on an Apple Watch.
Orders are online only for now, but the idea of the Apple Watch try-ons is to help you decide what you want to order online — or if you want to order anything at all. It’s a way to get some eyes- and hands-on time with the hardware and software, so you can see the cases, feel the bands, experience the interface and interactions, and get as much of the Apple Watch experience as possible short of owning one.
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by a table, wooden like all Apple Retail tables, but with glass covering two rows of Apple Watches, one of 38mm and one of 42mm, each facing out, and sorted by collection — Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch edition.
You can take your time and look at them, under glass as they go through their demos. You can check out the finishes and the bands, and you can get an idea of what you want to try on. It’s a great way to get started — letting you see before you touch.
The try-on tables have watches embedded on miniature pedestals. They’re not under glass, but they’re also not going anywhere. Beside them are specially modified iPad mini tablets running kiosk software. The typeface is San Francisco, like the watches, of course. It explains what the watch is, what it does, and how. It’s a step closer, to the try-ons and away for you to start learning more before you actually strap one on.
When the time comes for the try on, an Apple Specialist talks with you, tries to find out what’s important to you when it comes to style and functionality. They want to help you choose the right watch for you.
With a badge they unlock a hidden drawer and take out the Apple Watches with the materials and bands you’re most interested in, and help you try them on. All stores have Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport, the bigger stores may have Apple Watch Edition as well.
A demo loop runs on the watches. You can’t spin, tap, or press your way around, but you can see what the software looks like and what the Taptic engine feels like.
It’s very carefully thought out process and even more carefully staged. It walks you from seeing to learning to trying. Given the constraints of Apple Stores as they exist today, it’s a remarkably clever way to handle the Apple Watch.
It’s not quite what you go through for a ride at Disney, but it’s not altogether different either. It’s staging, and it works.
Apple Watch try-ons are available starting today. Book your appointment online at apple.com or using the Apple Store app for the best experience.
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Hasbro partners with Scopely to bring ‘YAHTZEE’ to the Play Store
For more than six decades, people have played YAHTZEE. All it takes to get started are dice. Then players can shout as much as they would like to stay true to the name. While so many games have gone digital, YAHTZEE has remained offline. That changes because Hasbro, who owns the rights to the game, has partnered with Scopely to release a version of YAHZTEE for mobile devices.
This new version, titled YAHTZEE With Buddies, is the same game that people know and love, but with a social element included. The game is free-to-play and Scopely worked to make sure it has enhanced graphics and animations to engage players. Like any social game, YAHTZEE With Buddies has challenges, rewards, and leaderboards to remain competitive.
SCOPELY SHAKES IT UP AND SCORES WITH HASBRO TO BRING YAHTZEE TO MOBILE DEVICES WORLDWIDE
Official Free-to-Play YAHTZEE With Buddies Game Available for Download on iOS and Android
LOS ANGELES – April 9, 2015 – Scopely, a leading publisher of free to play games on mobile and tablet devices, together with Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) has launched the YAHTZEE With Buddies game, the officially licensed free-to-play YAHTZEE experience. The YAHTZEE With Buddies game- the shake, score and shout game, takes the addictive, unpredictable play of the classic family game and makes it mobile. You can play with your friends or test your skills in YAHTZEE tournaments anytime, anywhere. The YAHTZEE With Buddies game is available to download for free on iOS [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/yahtzee-with-buddies/id967422975] and Android [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.withbuddies.yahtzee&hl=en] with additional features such as bonus rolls available for purchase.
“YAHTZEE is one of the world’s most beloved games, with millions of players worldwide,” said Walter Driver at Scopely. “We’re thrilled to expand the reach of this iconic family game to today’s generation of mobile players around the globe.”
With its beautiful and clean new look and captivating graphics, the fully optimized mobile experience stays true to the original feel of the YAHTZEE game with easy-to-learn, intuitive gameplay. Players can go head-to-head with family and friends or play on their own for hours of suspenseful dice action. For those who want the ultimate challenge, the YAHTZEE with Buddies game includes daily and weekly tournaments so you can compete with YAHTZEE fans around the world, or conquer in-game challenges and get rewarded with custom dice to use in your next match. The game also features head-to-head stats so players can track their results, become better YAHTZEE players, or earn bragging rights with their friends. The YAHTZEE With Buddies game makes it easy and fun to find people around the world who share the passion for this classic game.
Scopely also plans to release the YAHTZEE with Buddies game for Apple Watch when the watch debuts. The watch app will help manage games in progress and help players stay on top of their chats.
“Scopely is the perfect choice to bring the classic YAHTZEE experience to mobile,” said Mark Blecher, senior vice president of business development and digital gaming at Hasbro. “They’ve proven themselves be experts at creating exciting social gaming experiences that bring friends and fans together to play for fun and in friendly competition.”
The YAHTZEE with Buddies game is the latest in a series of milestones for Scopely. This relationship brings together one of the top family dice brands, YAHTZEE, with the creator and publisher of one of the leading dice games on mobile.
About Scopely
Scopely is the leading touchscreen entertainment network. Founded in 2011, Scopely partners and collaborates with elite game developers and global entertainment companies to bring industry leading distribution and monetization technology to free to play games. Scopely oversees marketing, analytics, ads, business development, live ops, quality assurance, community management, and more, empowering developers to focus on building and refining great gameplay experiences to earn the loyalty and love of millions of players around the world. In in November 2014, Scopely closed a Series A funding round of $35 million to scale the business, expand the corporate team and diversify the company’s catalog of mobile game titles across original and globally celebrated entertainment properties. To learn more, please visit http://www.scopely.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro is a global company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences, by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH, TRANSFORMERS and premier partner brands. From toys and games to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive lifestyle licensing program, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection for children and families around the world. The Company’s Hasbro Studios creates entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film and more. Through the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year.
Come comment on this article: Hasbro partners with Scopely to bring ‘YAHTZEE’ to the Play Store
Xbox One adds ‘energy-saving’ option to the set-up process
Anyone who buys a brand new Xbox One will be prompted with a special screen when booting up the console for the first time: A choice between “instant-on” and “energy-saving” power modes. The default in the US is instant-on, which enables updates and content downloads while the console isn’t in use, and lets users yell at their Xbox Ones to turn them on. The energy-saving mode consumes less power and can save players an average of $6 to $15 per year in the US, Microsoft says. This isn’t a new mode, but the move to offer power choices up front follows a March blog post from the National Resources Defense Council that was critical of the Xbox One’s always-on default.
“Although Microsoft reduced the power drain from its ‘instant-on’ mode from 18 watts to 12.5 watts, the mode is still the default when it comes out of the box and the user is not even given the option to disable it during the initial setup,” the NRDC wrote. The new prompt directly addresses this criticism (Side note: Microsoft says instant-on mode uses 15 watts).
Existing Xbox One owners can make the power switch themselves by going to “Power & startup” under Settings. Change your power mode because you want to save some cash, because you’re thinking about the environment, or if you want to hear your significant other scream “XBOX, ON” tonight in increasingly frustrated tones before they figure out it’s just not going to happen.
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Microsoft
Via: Neowin
Source: Xbox Wire
Here’s where you can get the HTC One M9 in the US
The time has finally come for smartphone fans in the United States to choose which device they’ll pick up next – the HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge. All three flagships go on sale in the U.S. today, and if you’re interested, you can run out and grab any of the three at your favorite brick-and-mortar locations.
We’ve already published a post on where to get the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, so now let’s move our focus towards the HTC One M9.
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Read More: HTC One M9 goes on sale today: 11 things you should know
U.S. Carriers
All four major U.S. carriers now offer the HTC One M9 online and in-store, and we’ll walk you through all of the different pricing structures for each carrier.
AT&T
![AT&T logo [aa] (3)](https://i1.wp.com/cdn02.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ATT-logo-aa-3.jpg?resize=640%2C400){kind=logo}
AT&T customers can grab a One M9 in Gold on Silver or Gunmetal Gray color options. The phone only comes in a 32GB storage option, but luckily there’s a MicroSD card slot present on the device. Like the other four carriers, the price of the One M9 varies considerably whether you’re buying the phone unlocked, on-contract or through AT&T’s Next plan.
To get the phone on a two-year contract, you’ll need to pay $199.99 upfront. If you decide to lease the phone, you’ll owe between $23.64 and $35.45 per month depending on which Next plan you choose. For those who’d like to buy the phone off-contract from AT&T, you’ll owe the carrier $708.99.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on the link below:
Verizon
The HTC One M9 on Verizon is being offered in both Gold on Silver and Gunmetal Gray color options. Verizon will sell you the phone with or without a contract, or they’ll let you lease the device.
On a two-year contract, the One M9 will run you $199.99. To buy the phone off-contract through the carrier, you’ll owe $599.99 – considerably less than AT&T’s off-contract price. If you decide to go with a Verizon Edge plan, you’ll owe the carrier $24.99 per month for 24 months.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on the link below:
Sprint
Just like the previous two carriers, the One M9 can be yours through Sprint in Gold on Silver or Gunmetal Gray color options. Multiple buying options are available on Sprint as well, so let’s take a look at the pricing breakdown.
You can buy a Sprint HTC One M9 on a two-year contract for $199.99. You can also lease the device for 12 months and pay $30 per month, or lease it for 24 months and pay $20 per month. If you’re interested in buying it off-contract through the carrier, you’ll need to pay $648.00.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on the link below:
T-Mobile
Both color options are available if you’d like to purchase the phone on T-Mobile. This carrier operates a little bit differently from the other three, so let’s take a look at your options.
If you’d like to make monthly payments on your new device, you’ll pay $0 down (assuming your credit is okay), and owe $27.08 per month for 24 months. Buying the phone off-contract will run you $649.92.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on the link below:
Retailers
There are a number of retailer partners (online and in-store) where you can pick up the One M9 and sign up for service with your favorite carrier. HTC says that Costco Wholesale will eventually the device, but it’s not live on the retailer’s website quite yet. Here’s a list of some of the best places to begin your search for the HTC One M9:
If you’re not a fan of two-year contracts, HTC also has the One M9 available in both Unlocked and Developer editions. Both versions are available in Gold on Silver and Gunmetal Gray color options and will run you $649. If you’re looking for the Amber Gold variant, you’ll have to spring for the Unlocked device through HTC.com.
For more details on pricing, features, or to buy now, click on the link below:
Know of any other great places to buy, or special promos going on for the HTC One M9? Be sure to let us know in the comments. We’ll also be sure to update this post in the days to come as we learn more about possible promotions and deals related to HTC’s latest flagship.
Videos Showcase the Apple Watch Try-On Appointment Experience
Following the opening of pre-orders for the Apple Watch on Apple’s Online Store this morning, Apple Retail Stores in first-wave countries today opened their doors to fans waiting for Apple Watch try-on appointments. Below, MacRumors has rounded up a collection of videos made by both fans and tech blogs, showcasing the busy but excited atmosphere no doubt permeating throughout most Apple stores today.
First is a video uploaded to Hong Kong-based Chan Xin‘s YouTube channel. In the video he tries on both 38mm and 42mm Sport model cases, and is put through a short demo presentation of the Watch by an employee, ending the video by checking out the Stainless Steel Milanese Loop option.
The Telegraph has a video interview with a big Apple fan at London’s Selfridges Apple Store on their channel, showcasing employees gently handling and sizing various Watches – from Stainless Steel Leather Loop to Sport versions – amongst a busy crowd.
One of the longer and more in-depth try-on videos comes out of Australia and was originally live-streamed via Periscope by user “lachlanlikesathing”. For the first few minutes in the video, Lachlan tours the Apple Watch displays before getting into a try-on appointment of his own, showcasing a few Sport options.
Of note, around the 10 minute mark, Lachlan begins attempting to mix-and-match the Space Gray casing with bands not exactly meant to match that particular color, the Apple employee helping him out going on to note the Space Gray’s intended Sports Black Band and Link Bracelet options.
A few other blogs have posted try-on videos, including iMore and Reuters. The Verge took a trip to all three of Apple’s pop-up stores for the Apple Watch in Tokyo, Paris, and London, mentioning the difference of experience compared to a traditional Apple Store thanks to the high-end locations, especially the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. No doubt more videos and experiences will be coming in the next few days as more and more people are able to visit an Apple Store of their own.
All models of the Apple Watch officially drifted past the earliest 4/24-5/8 delivery estimate in just six hours after pre-orders went live this morning, with eBay scalpers re-selling the device for more than double Apple’s official price point in most cases.
AIVAnet 