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.

Aperture and iPhoto Removed From Mac App Store Following Photos for OS X Launch [Mac Blog]

Following Wednesday’s release of OS X 10.10.3 and the new Photos for OS X app, Apple has, as promised, removed Aperture and iPhoto from the Mac App Store. Apple warned that development would stop on the two photo editing apps in the middle of last year, and put notices in the Mac App Store a couple months ago to let users know the apps would be pulled from sale following the launch of Photos.

The two apps remained available for download from the Mac App Store for approximately a day after Photos for OS X was released, but attempting to access them via search now gives no results and clicking through from an external Mac App Store link gives an “Item Not Available” message.

Apple has ceased development on Aperture and iPhoto to concentrate its resources on Photos for OS X, its new photo editing software that integrates with the Photos for iOS app and iCloud Photo Library to let users access their complete set of photos on any device.

Photos for OS X has been described by many as an excellent replacement for iPhoto, as it includes more advanced tools and it runs much faster. Aperture users may find Photos for OS X lacking, however, as it does not have advanced tools like a loupe or brushable adjustments. It also does not support plugins.

With only one major photo editing app to focus on, it’s likely that Apple will make improvements to Photos for OS X that could bring its feature set more in line with Aperture in the future, making both casual users and professional photographers happy.

Photos for OS X is available through the OS X 10.10.3 update, and when opened for the first time, it will prompt you to migrate your existing Aperture and iPhoto libraries. Though they won’t receive updates beyond compatibility fixes, Aperture and iPhoto can continue to be used for editing purposes, both alone and in conjunction with the new Photos app.

Tim Cook Visits Palo Alto Apple Store, Says Apple Watch Orders Have Been ‘Great’

Apple CEO Tim Cook visited the Palo Alto Apple Store in Palo Alto, California this morning as it opened its doors to let customers get their first look at the new Apple Watch. Cook was spotted chatting with potential customers and having a conversation with The Loop‘s Jim Dalrymple and iMore‘s Rene Ritchie.

Image courtesy of CNET’s Shara Tibken
Several members of the media were on hand at the Palo Alto Store opening, as it’s one of the flagship Bay Area stores that often sees visits from Apple executives. Tim Cook spoke to CNBC, telling the news site that pre-orders for the Apple Watch have been “great.”

It has been incredible. You know this morning, I got reports from all the way around the world, from Japan to Australia to China to Germany to France to the U.K. to Canada and now the U.S. It is extraordinary. Customers are giving us great feedback and orders are great as well.

Cook also commented on the Apple Watch that he’s wearing himself, telling CNBC‘s Josh Lipton that he wears the stainless steel Apple Watch with the White fluoroelastomer band most of the time, as that’s what he works out in. Cook also said that he has a few other bands on hand, because he likes to change them out on occasion. “I am wearing this one the most,” he said. “So I would highly recommend it to all of the listeners.”

http://player.theplatform.com/p/gZWlPC/cnbc_global?playertype=synd&byGuid=3000370151&size=530_298
The Apple Watch became available for pre-order at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time earlier today, and initial pre-orders sold out very quickly. In less than an hour, shipping estimates for many Apple Watch models had slipped to 4 to 6 weeks or beyond, and within six hours, there were no longer any models available for an estimated delivery date of April 24 to May 8, the shipping estimate the earliest orderers received. Many customers who order today and beyond won’t be able to obtain devices until May or June, and later in some cases.

As of today, Apple Stores around the world are allowing customers to try on the Apple Watch to get a feel for the device ahead of its official launch.

Apple Watch Sport Bands Come in Three Pieces, Full Band Swapping Not Possible [iOS Blog]

Earlier today, we shared a service called BandSwapper, designed to let people who purchase an Apple Watch Sport trade their extra unused Sport Bands for a Sport Band in a different size and color. As it turns out, Sport Band trading is not going to be possible, due to the way that the bands are configured.

Ahead of pre-orders, the Apple Watch Sport was advertised as shipping with two separate bands in S/M and M/L sizes, leading people to believe there were two full bands included with each Apple Watch Sport purchase.

Shortly after we shared the BandSwapper site, MacRumors readers began letting us know that customers do not, in fact, receive two complete sport bands when purchasing an Apple Watch that comes with a Sport Band. Instead, the watches come with three band pieces that when put together, allow for two different band sizes in S/M or M/L to fit all wrists.

TechCrunch has confirmed (“with very good authority”) that buyers do not get two full watchbands with an Apple Watch Sport, so sites like BandSwapper will not be able to offer customers a way to trade for a complete band.

You see, Apple Sport Watch models technically do come with two bands, but in practice, it’s not two full bands, but rather three pieces. There’s one piece that attaches to one end of the watch with the fastener, and then two additional bands (the side with the holes) that attach to the other side of the watch. These two bands come in two different lengths — a S/M size for smaller wrists and an M/L size for larger wrists.

In other words, you won’t have an entire extra band to swap.

The band swapping sites could potentially allow customers to swap for half bands to have a watch strap that’s multi-colored, but it’s unlikely that this will be an appealing option to many consumers. It appears that acquiring multiple Sport Band colors will require full band purchases.

Image of Sport Band packaging showing two different straps with holes, but only one strap with a pin. Still shot taken from an unboxing video.
On Twitter, BandSwapper has been suggesting that the three-piece Apple Watch Sport Band configuration is “speculation,” but it has now been confirmed by reputable sources and through images shared on the MacRumors forums.

Apple in Talks With Florence and the Machine, Taylor Swift About Exclusive Beats Content

Apple couldn’t establish lower pricing for its upcoming music service to distinguish it from competing services, so the company is hoping to draw in subscribers by offering exclusive content. Apple has asked Florence and the Machine and a dozen other artists for exclusive deals to promote the upcoming music service, reports Bloomberg.

Apple is said to be in talks with Florence in the Machine about limited streaming rights to a track for the band’s upcoming album in June, and Apple execs have also approached Taylor Swift and others in the hopes of establishing a deal. An exclusive deal with Taylor Swift could be a big win for Apple as she’s opted to pull her music from some streaming services like Spotify. Such exclusives could bring in music-loving subscribers that might otherwise not pay for a music subscription.

The strategy is similar to a tactic employed by Jay-Z’s recently relaunched music service Tidal, which also hopes to attract subscribers through content that can’t be obtained elsewhere. At launch, Tidal released a new song from Beyonce, following it up with an exclusive song from Rihanna.

Exclusives could work to help Apple garner subscribers, but the company’s most promising tool for gaining subscribers is its huge existing customer base. Millions of people own iPhones and iPads, and Apple can create a streaming music app that’s heavily integrated within iTunes and installed on Apple devices automatically.

As we’ve heard in previous rumors, Apple is working to completely revamp Beats Music to turn it into an all new subscription music service. It may gain a new name, says Bloomberg, and it will cost $9.99 per month for individuals, with a family plan available for $14.99.

Apple may be planning to unveil its new streaming music service at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Beats Launches New Solo2 Wireless Headphones in iPhone Colors

Apple-owned headphone company Beats by Dre today announced the launch of several new Solo2 Wireless headphones, in colors that match Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and new MacBook. Available in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, the headphones are otherwise identical to the company’s existing Solo2 Wireless headphones.

The Solo2 Wireless on-ear headphones were released in November, and were the first product released by Beats since Apple’s acquisition of the company officially closed. The Solo2 Wireless are a wireless version of the wired Solo2 headphones that are a staple in the Beats headphone lineup.

New Day. New Colors. http://t.co/1dyApkPQGj #Solo2Wireless pic.twitter.com/XXfkTPeUc5

— Beats By Dre (@beatsbydre) April 10, 2015

Both the Gold and Silver varieties of the new Solo2 Wireless headphones feature white accents and ear cups, while the Space Gray version includes black accents and black ear cups, for an accurate match to Apple’s line of Gold, Silver, and Space Gray devices.

Solo2 Wireless offers the same dynamic sound and streamlined design as Solo2, but with the added benefit of wireless capabilities. With its Bluetooth technology, Solo2 Wireless can move freely for up to 30 feet from your audio device. Take phone calls, skip songs, and change the volume using the “b” button and volume buttons on the ear cup. Its rechargeable battery allows you to enjoy up to 12 hours of wireless playback. Not charged? Not a problem. Just plug in the provided RemoteTalkTM cable and enjoy your music.

Apple has largely taken over the Beats business, with the headphones being sold in Apple Stores rather than on the Beats website and all Beats support being handled by Apple support representatives, both online and in retail locations. Despite this, products being sold today are still those that have been designed without Apple’s guidance, and it remains unclear when we might see new headphone lines created with Apple’s technology and design influence.

The new Solo2 Wireless headphones can be purchased from the online Apple Store for $299.95 and will ship out in one business day. They aren’t available in retail stores yet, but should be popping up at Apple Stores over the next few days.

How to Schedule an Apple Watch Try-On Appointment [iOS Blog]

As of 12:01 A.M. today, you can make an appointment to try on Apple Watch. You can set up an appointment at your local Apple Retail Store via the company’s concierge service. It takes just a few minutes.

1. Navigate to the Apple Watch section on the Apple Online Store.
2. Scroll down to the section that reads, “Pick your favorite Apple Watch models. And try them on.” Or, go directly to the concierge page.
3. Click on “schedule a try-on appointment.”
4. Select a state.
5. Select a store.
6. From the available list, find a store near you and click on “View available times.” You can choose from Sport and Watch appointments, or Edition appointments.
7. Sign in using your Apple ID and password.
8. Find an available time that fits your schedule (as of 7:00 A.M., there were no available appointments at my local Apple Retail Store for launch day).
9. After you select the time you want, click “Make Appointment.”

Read more

BandSwapper Will Allow Apple Watch Sport Band Owners to Trade Out Duplicate Bands [Updated] [iOS Blog]

As the Apple Watch pre-orders continue to build this morning, it’s worth noting a few third-party websites who plan to provide services to early adopters of Apple’s new wearable device. One of those sites is BandSwapper, which will let users swap out their unused Apple Watch Sport Band for another size and color.

As was discovered closely following Apple’s big “Spring Forward” event last month, every model of the Apple Watch that ships with a Sport Band – meaning both aluminum and stainless steel – comes in two sizes for both the 38mm and 42mm casing sizes. The smaller 38mm case covers 130-200mm wrists in both S/M and M/L bands, while the larger 42mm option ranges between 140-210mm wrists in S/M and M/L bands.

BandSwapper plans to fix the extraneous multi-band option by allowing Sport Band users to swap the band they won’t use, for a completely different size and color band that they will. As the website claims on its currently sparse homepage, “It takes 5 minutes and costs only $6.”

Here’s How it Works:
1. Tell us which band you have and which one you want.
2. Send us your unused band with one of our pre-paid shipping labels.
3. We’ll send you back a band in the size and color you want.

Currently, the most users can do to prepare for band swapping is provide the website an email address to remind them when the BandSwapper storefront will be live, which will coincide with the Apple Watch’s official launch on April 24.

As expected, a lot of Apple Watch-related news continues to circulate today as pre-order estimates begin slipping rapidly and more news on the Watch’s warranty surfaces.

Update: As several readers have pointed out, customers do not actually receive two complete sport bands, instead receiving three band pieces that together allow for two different band sizes. As a result, BandSwapper’s service will not allow users to trade for a complete band.

Apple Watch Pre-Orders Hit eBay With Asking Prices Up to $2,000 [iOS Blog]

As Apple Watch pre-orders went live early this morning, it was inevitable that Apple’s first foray into wearable tech would become a mainstay on the eBay scalper circuit. Searching around the popular reseller’s website this morning, MacRumors has seen prices ranging from the expected $1000 range to over $2000 for the more popular models of the Watch.

Specifically, both the 38mm and 42mm Stainless Steel Space Black Link Bracelet option, which retail for $1049 and $1099 respectively, have hit a $4200 combined price point on eBay. Both the Space Black models in the Sport and Watch collections turned out to be popular options for customers, being some of the first to see shipping times slip to June and beyond.

This particular listing is selling both case sizes, meaning the price for each is about $2100, doubling their retail prices. Perhaps most intriguing is that the seller wasn’t even able to get in on the initial estimate of a 4-6 week dispatch time, with the potential buyer not receiving the Watches until June. The listing remains up, however, suggesting demand is likely scant at this price.

Less drastically, but still notable, is a $949 price tag for the Stainless Steel White Sport Band Watch, which cost those up and at-the-ready this morning $599. That premium eBay price tag is for a 4/24-5/8 initial delivery date, which is one of only a few listings actually stating a possible April 24 shipping date.

A 42mm Stainless Steel Milanese Loop is going for $1599, while a 42mm Stainless Steel Link Bracelet is listed for $3200. Both are set for what appears to be a 4-6 week dispatch period.

The Sport models are popping up around the site, too, with about a $200 to $300 premium over their traditional retail price. A handful of the Watches on eBay today have a disconnect between their premium price point and estimated shipping date, so it still remains most sensible to pre-order from the Apple Online Store as soon as possible for those who have yet to do so. While the models listed here are some of the more extreme cases, even the lowest cost eBay listings are easily a few hundred dollars over Apple’s retail price. And many of these are also listing prices, not actual bids, meaning demand may not meet these sellers’ hopes.