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Guild Wars 2 is now available for pre-purchase, still no launch date
Saddle up, Tyrians -- it's going to be one heck of a ride! As of this morning, Guild Wars 2 is available for pre-purchase from a variety of vendors. The digital versions of the standard and deluxe editions can be purchased on Guild Wars 2's website, although ArenaNet has also posted a list of retailers that are selling the game. It's only through these retailers that physical copies of the standard and collector's edition can be obtained. As of the time of this writing, many tipsters have reported that GW2 collector's editions have been sold out at several retailers. ArenaNet said it will have an update in a few hours on Twitter. By pre-purchasing Guild Wars 2, players not only get the game itself and any goodies that edition contains but will secure access into beta weekend events and the game's three-day headstart prior to launch. The standard edition is $59.99, the deluxe digital edition is $79.99, and the collector's edition is $149.99.
Best Buy to close 50 big box US retail stores, open 100 Mobile stand-alone outlets in 2013
Still driving to your local Best Buy to fondle all the latest gadgets before swiping your card, or hopping to the web to pull the trigger? That tradition could be short-lived, if you happen to live near one of 50 big box retail stores that the company plans to shutter in 2013. The move was announced alongside Best Buy's Q4 earnings report, which includes action items aimed to trim $800 million in costs by 2015. The closings will no-doubt come along with staffer reductions, some of whom could be transferred to one of 100 Best Buy Mobile "small format stand-alone stores" set to launch next year. While an unfortunate move for some customers and employees, it does show some foresight on behalf of BBY management, who likely recognize a continuing shift to online purchasing, and a greater emphasis on mobile devices, which require significantly smaller showrooms, cost less to ship and could offer greater margins to boot.
Guild Wars 2 pre-purchase locations announced
April 10th is fast approaching, and the ArenaNet team is doing its best to be sure fans are totally informed on how best to give up their money when Guild Wars 2 is finally available for pre-purchase. French Community Manager Stephane Lo Presti has put a list of retailers participating in the pre-purchase program up on the Guild Wars 2 Wiki. According to the game's FAQ page, fans will be able to order the digital Standard and the Digital Deluxe editions directly from NCsoft (Steam is not on the list, so they're out for digital pre-purchasing). These physical retailers, though, will offer at least the Standard and possibly the Collector's editions of the game, which means that fans will have a special interest in which of the listed retailers provide the CE version of the pre-purchase. Keep in mind that these are the retailers for pre-purchase, not necessarily launch or pre-order. The list is pretty lengthy; it's almost like ArenaNet wants to make pre-purchase as convenient as possible for as many fans as possible. Hit up the list if you want to figure out where you're headed on April 10th.
Canon 5D Mark III hits US retailers, available in stores today
Well, that didn't take long at all. Hours after our Canon 5D Mark III review went live, we've received word that the camera is already available for purchase, and if you happen to live in New York City and can make it to B&H before 7PM, you could even take one home today! A call to the retailer confirmed that there are just three kits available, each with a 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens in the box for $4,299. If you're looking for a body-only version, you'll need to hang tight, but if you don't mind splurging on the pricey duo, now would be the time to cancel those Thursday night dinner plans in favor of some low-light NYC shooting.
Game explains the missing Ubisoft Vita launch titles, physics
Game, the UK-based games retailer, was unable to stock any of Ubisoft's Vita day-one titles, breaking the news just hours before the device's midnight launch early this morning. Game still doesn't have definite plans to carry the games, and marketing director Anna-Marie Mason explained why to Eurogamer: "You can see, there's a finite amount of space in a store." No way. Do go on."We can't stock absolutely everything. That's just not possible," she said. Mason didn't cite Game's financial troubles as a direct cause of the missing titles, talking past Game's store closures, layoffs, broken credit lines and the potential sale of its international branch.One possible reason for Game's struggling sales is an influx of cheaper online retailers, but Mason said Game offers something more, citing the store's 2.5 million customers a week. "What our customers get from us, whether they shop with Game or Gamestation, is more than a sterile transaction," Mason said. "They get the opportunity to transact with us in the way they want and they get added value. Our customers will vote with their feet."Game may stock Ubisoft's Vita launch titles in the future, Mason said, but for now it does offer the games through a "downloadable option," which we're sure will attract dozens of feet.
Jagex CEO predicts the imminent demise of physical game retailers
Brick-and-mortar outlets, be warned: your days are numbered. Or so says Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard, who told an audience at BAFTA Question Time that physical retailers were living on borrowed time -- and that before long, such stores would be "museum pieces." Gerhard says that these retailers, such as UK's GAME, will be gone within a decade. "The writing has been on the wall for quite some time," he said. "I think, 10 years out from now, we'll be talking about [physical] retail nostalgically, as a museum piece." He sees this as a positive development for the industry, saying that retailers take a slice of profits away from studios and make it hard for indie games to succeed. "People are still playing games. They're still doing business; they're just doing it in a different place. If you don't adapt you die. It's as simple as that," he said.
Retailers opening up at midnight (or even earlier) for Black Friday
If waking up at 5am in the morning this Friday to grab some of those deals on video games at Gamestop doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, then good news times two: One, you're completely sane. Second, GameStop is actually opening at 12:01am on Thanksgiving night/Friday morning, so if you can wake yourself out of your turkey coma to go and buy some games, you can get all your shopping done before the moon even comes out. Best Buy is also opening up at 12am on Friday morning for its doorbuster sale, as is Target, despite some protests from employees and their families. Toys R Us is the real kicker, though: Its sales are starting at 9pm on Thursday night, hardly enough time for the football games to even finish before the holiday sales begin. You can see all of the available deals on video games, online and offline, in our big, bad Black Friday deals post for this year. If you do head out to buy some items right away at midnight, maybe offer to buy the employees you see there some doughnuts or coffee -- if they're out there all night, they'll probably need it.
Looking back at the iPhone 4S pre-order launch
The iPhone 4S online pre-order went live last night, and the experience was hectic for me. Sales started about 40 minutes past the original estimate and customers vented their frustration on Twitter. Once live, Apple's store site was quickly overwhelmed by customers as was the Apple Store app. Most problems appear to have been had by US AT&T customers -- Verizon customers, for example, and customers outside the United States seem to have made their purchases rather quickly and moved on. Starting at about 5AM, Apple temporarily switched to a reservation system instead of a purchase system. Apple promised, "We will email you at this address when it's time to complete your order. At that time, you will return to the Apple Store to confirm pricing and plan selection." Unfortunately, many of those reservation orders encountered snags this morning and customers were directed to complete their purchases at retail Apple stores. After that, things seem to have smoothed out as many previously-frustrated customers were funneled out of the Apple system. By the time TUAW's Steve Sande woke up a bit after 5AM, everything was, in his words, "roses and unicorn smiles." For me, personally, my shopping ordeal went on for a couple of hours. Although my heart was set on a 64-GB unlocked GSM world phone, those won't be on sale until November. I settled (though it's hardly settling) for a 32-GB AT&T model, which should provide a good balance of what I need for work vs enough storage space for lots of music, apps and photographs. Did you participate in the shopping frenzy last night? Share your experience in the comments, and let us know what you bought. %Gallery-136046%
Apple begins shipping Thunderbolt displays
The Thunderbolt-compatible displays Apple announced back in July have reportedly started shipping out to stores and retailers. MacRumors reported that the displays shipped this week, and should hit shelves very soon. Electronista has heard that shipping to customers will start up on September 15, which is a little later than the original "60 days" we were promised. But late is better than never, right? Honestly, these things are bee-youtiful, offering a 27-inch LED display, complete with an edge-to-edge design (hot!), a Facetime camera built in, a 2.1 speaker system, USB and Ethernet ports and of course a Thunderbolt port. If you'd like to get one, it'll set you back a cool $999 -- not cheap, but far from expensive for what you're getting. The MacBook Air above is, of course, not included.
HP Pre 3 now available for purchase on official European store
Pop quiz: what's the best way to launch a phone that's left us waiting with anticipation for seven months? HP's answer is to quietly release it on its European store without any pomp or circumstance. We have no idea why the company chose to start selling the Pre 3, its new flagship phone, without any media buzz; the important thing here, however, is that the SIM-free device is now available for purchase on the Palm Eurostore. The phone can be all yours for £299 -- the equivalent of $490 in the US -- which is a respectable price point for a no-commitment smartphone of its caliber. So far we've only seen the phone get pushed out across the pond; European retailers Clove and Box are following HP's lead by offering the Pre 3 as well, just in case the official store runs out of stock. It's probably not too likely, given the company's lack of marketing efforts on this particular launch, but we could always be surprised. After all, we've been waiting for seven months. Update: PreCentral just received an official statement from HP confirming that the Pre 3 is indeed launching in Europe, and more information will be available for the US soon. Here's the full quote: HP is excited to begin its regional rollout of Pre3, the only phone today that offers users a slide-out keyboard coupled with a large touchscreen and the fastest speed (1.4GHz processor – the fastest on the market). We expect to share additional information for U.S. customers soon. So that's it -- a four-line announcement to launch the Pre 3. But hey, it's at least something.
Radio Shack, Target cut iPhone 4 prices
Target and Radio Shack are dropping the price on the iPhone 4, in a move many believe is a stock clearing measure to make room for the iPhone 5. Radio Shack is currently running a week-long promotion that drops the price of the 16 GB iPhone 4 to US$169 and the 32 GB iPhone 4 to $269. You can cut these prices by an extra $100 if you bring in an older iPhone model as a trade. Target is also slashing the price on the 16 GB and 32 GB iPhone 4 to $149 and $249, respectively. All the quoted sale prices include a two-year customer agreement. Big box retailers may be ready to move existing inventory of the iPhone 4, but checks with Verizon and AT&T suggest the wireless carriers are not quite ready for a fire sale on Apple's popular smartphone. Prices at both carriers remain steady at $199 and $299 for an iPhone 4 with a new wireless agreement.
iPad 2 coming to Toys "R" Us
I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys "R" Us kid. A million toys to choose from that I can play with. From bikes to trikes and video games... and soon the iPad 2, according to an anonymous Toys "R" Us employee who provided ModMyi.com with pictures of internal training materials focused on Apple's tablet. The iPad 2 could go on sale at the iconic toy retailer as early as next month. Since the original iPad launched last April in about 1,200 locations, Apple has aggressively expanded the device's retail distribution. The iPad 2 is now available at over 10,000 storefronts in the United States, including the company's own retail stores and national chains like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, AT&T, Verizon and Radio Shack. At first, Toys "R" Us seems like an odd addition to the growing list of iPad 2 retailers; the New Jersey-based company is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, and not the first chain most of us would associate with high-tech gadgets. But Apple products won't be new to the retailer -- Toys "R" Us already carries the iPod in its online and retail stores. If Apple's music player is selling well at Toys "R" Us, it seems natural for the company to carry the iPad 2 as well. Also, a recent survey by Piper Jaffray found that 22 percent of teenagers already have a tablet device in their homes and another 20 percent intend to buy one (or force their parents to buy one) in the next six months. Both Apple and Toys "R" Us could tap into this valuable teen market by putting the iPad 2 into some of the retailer's approximately 1,300 locations worldwide. [via Electronista]
TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on
If Amazon were to venture beyond the web in favor of a more tangible medium to peddle its wares, it might consider something like Telepresence Tech's new telepresence kiosk for the job. We got a surprise demo of the system at a Samsung event today and came away intrigued. The technology renders 2D images that float and rotate in space, giving retailers a way to let customers see their products as if they were actually there, and at a fraction of the cost -- about $1.50 per hour -- of paying meatbags to man a traditional brick-and-mortar store. A separate touchscreen lets shoppers scroll through available items, speak face to virtual face with customer service, and make purchases. Check the gallery to see more of what our retail future looks like. %Gallery-119628%
Best Buy, Sams Club and Wal-Mart to carry the iPad 2 at launch
When the iPad 2 makes its retail debut on March 11th, customers will have a variety of retail outlets from which to purchase Apple's latest generation tablet device. In addition to online and brick and mortar Apple Stores, the iPad 2 will also be available from Best Buy and possibly Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. If you remember from last year, several big box retailers signed on with Apple to distribute the Cupertino company's popular iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Besides Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, you also have Target and wireless carriers Verizon and AT&T with the iPad lining their shelves. Keep an eye on these retailers to see if their signage switches from the iPad to the iPad 2 in the upcoming week.
Barnes & Noble now selling the Nook Color on eBay for $199
Well, this one strikes us as a little... odd. Barnes & Noble is currently selling its Nook Color on eBay (along with plenty of other things). The truly interesting part, however, is that the price, once a $50 coupon code is applied, is $199, which is of course $50 less than it sells them for in stores or on its own website. We aren't sure what the motivation behind this move is, but we'd guess that the bookseller is attempting to compete with other, unofficial eBay retailers selling B&N's goods. Either way, if you're in the market for a Nook Color, eBay seems to be the place to get one, for now.
Two New Jersey Apple Stores to open for non-retail activity on Sundays
Good news for New Jersey residents living in Bergen County. The two local apple stores in Paramus and Woodcliff Lake will soon be open on Sundays, ifoAppleStore reports. Due to blue laws that are still in effect in the county, these Apple stores are the only two Apple retail outlets that are currently closed every Sunday. Blue laws, implemented decades ago, have remained on the books in some locations across the U.S. They were originally adopted to set aside a day for religious observance; many people enjoy the break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. To work around these Sunday commerce restrictions, the Apple stores will be open for non-sale activities such as customer training sessions and Genius Bar visits. Retail purchases will not be allowed during store hours. Presumably, the stores will adopt Apple's current schedule and will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. It will be interesting to see how this plan works out. Each store averages 2,600 visitors each day and it is inevitable that each retailer will encounter numerous customers confused and upset by their inability to make a purchase. Perhaps they'll be redirected to the online Apple Store instead.
Three iPad dummy SKUs appear at Best Buy website
There's not much to see here, folks, just a few listings on Best Buy's website for Apple iPads that don't currently exist. They could be the result of a database error, an employee prank, or even just wishful thinking. Still, between well-placed sources informing us that a super-high-resolution, SD-card bearing, dual-mode iPad 2 is on the way and a feeling of déjà vu, we can't help but think there might be a rather exciting prize behind doors number one, two and three. Or perhaps just a Verizon iPad. We're sure that would make someone's day. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Intel announces Connected Store concept, makes us hungry for shoes
It's been less than a week since Intel announced their 2nd Generation Core processors, and the little guys are already hard at work. Deep in the heart of another convention -- the National Retail Federation Convention, to be exact -- Intel unveiled the Connected Store concept: a futuristic storefront for retailers looking to up their digital game. The store, powered in part by the "visibly smart" processors, is packed with interactive demos and proof-of-concepts that look like something out of the Jetsons. Among the systems sporting the new processor's 3D graphics capabilities are a virtual search engine-equipped wall of Adidas sneakers -- the thing packs up to 8,000 different styles -- and the Intel Digital Signage Endcap, which does some creepy big brother stuff, using gestural sensors to target you specifically. Also on display are a number of beefed-up and interactive self check-out kiosks and point-of-sale systems. Intel's already got the big guns interested, including Proctor and Gamble and Kraft Foods, but we just want to know who's going to make this wall of shoes a reality. Video of the Connected Store after the jump.
Best Buy nixes restocking fees
With just five days left for Christmas shopping, Best Buy has enacted a most welcome plan to get you in the door -- effective immediately, it's abolished the infamous 15 percent restocking fee that the company traditionally charged for a wide variety of product returns. The Consumerist reports that computers, tablets, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS units, in-car video systems and audio equipment will no longer carry the fee, and that iPhones (which incurred a 10 percent restocking fee) are exempt as well. Only special orders will still carry the charge. What's more, the company will allegedly refund any such fees charged since November 17th. Bravo!
Samsung Gloria to be a 10-inch Windows 7 tablet with slide-out keyboard?
Like a netbook, only not. The latest thing to drop into our "crazy rumor" inbox is the Windows 7 tablet conceptualized above. Blogeee have it on the authority of two separate sources that Samsung is planning a 10-inch slate device dubbed Gloria, which would run Windows 7 and have a slide-out keyboard. What you see above is only a mockup of how this Gloria might appear -- if she ever does appear at all -- though we're told it'll include a Samsung software overlay to make Windows 7 that little bit more touch-friendly. We've yet to find any other corroboration for this beyond Blogeee's sources, so treat it as the unconfirmed bit of salacious info that it is, but if you must feel hopeful about the future, March and April are the months mentioned for a potential release.
