The Apple Watch we saw this week is not a transformative product. It’s simply a very well-executed smart watch, and like every other option in this category seems lost as to what it’s supposed to be used for. And the physical design is a serious miss for Jony Ive and company, a tasteless rectangular blob. So how can Apple sell these things?
Apple Store
Apple is Shipping Defective Lightning Cables
Considering their luxury reputation and attention to detail, it’s surprising that Apple is shipping defective Lightning cables. Alas, it’s true: I’ve received one, a few of my twitter followers have as well, and the Apple store was not that surprised when I came in for a replacement.
Apple’s Lightning to Micro USB Adapter is Tiny But Useful
I’m pleased to have a couple of Apple Lightning to Micro USB connectors in my bag. They’re handy when a Lightning cable isn’t available and are fairly cheap at £15. It’s disappointing that these adapters are not more widely available, but third-party Lightning cables ought to begin appearing soon to fill the void.
Personal Storage Just Got More Interesting: Seagate Acquires LaCie
Seagate just responded to Western Digital’s acquisitions of Hitachi’s Global Storage Technologies subsidiary by acquiring LaCie. The €49 million transaction solidifies Seagate’s presence in the retail space, especially on the Apple side of things. In this way, Seagate will use LaCie to offset Western Digital’s G-Tech offerings.
A Nerve-Racking Revolution at the Apple Store
A guy walks to the back of the second floor, pulls a brand-new iPhone bumper off the shelf, fiddles with his iPhone, opens the package at one of the yellow wood tables, fits the bumper to his phone, and walks out of the store. This is the new retail experience preferred by Apple, but it’s pretty terrifying to a regular shopper like me!
