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Apple takes its recycling programme across to the UK, might pay for your old stuff
It looks like Apple loves recycling so very much, it's taking it across the Atlantic. The UK will also get to some cash for their technological old rope, with the Reuse and Recycling programme arriving to take that pesky dated tech off your hands -- and remunerate you for the effort. The news arrives not long after Apple published its annual responsibility report, detailing its eco efforts across its supply chain. The project extends across iPods, iPhones, iPads, Macs and PCs -- and it doesn't even matter if they work. The program will assess whether there's cash value somewhere in it and will either credit your account or offer up free recycling options. Check the source to see whether your device qualifies, and just wait for the money to roll in.
iOS 4.1 confirmed for September 8th on Apple's UK website
According to Apple's UK website, iOS 4.1 will hit on Wednesday, September 8th. The US website still displays the non-committal "Coming Soon" message, so we'll have to keep our eyes peeled. We're going to go ahead and guess that all those shiny new iPods will come to retail that day too... but don't hold us to that one. Like we said, it's only a guess. [Thanks, Luca] Update: And now the September 8 date is gone again. Thanks, Eren!
Apple has 12 gifts of Christmas for people who live in the UK
For the second year in a row, Apple is running their 12 Days of Christmas promotion for UK residents. From December 26 to January 6 anyone with a UK iTunes account can download a free song, music video, app, television show, or film from 'some of the biggest star performers' on iTunes. Each free download is only available for 24 hours, so be sure to sign up for their email alerts to be notified of the new daily download. As for our US readers: it's not exactly Bah, humbug! for you. UPDATE: France, Germany, and Italy! Apple has love for you too! UPDATEx2: Austria! UPDATEx3: Netherlands, welcome to the party! UPDATEx4: And practically all of Europe and Scandinavia!
UK iPhone launch hampered by IE?
Computerworld is reporting that our friends in the UK have been frustrated by the iPhone 3G launch. It would seem that while the iPhone 3G is for sale in Apple Stores, the activation process isn't working smoothly (sound familiar?). Why is that, you ask? Because O2, that's the UK wireless company that has the iPhone, uses an activation system that only works with IE. Apple had to install Fusion on the Macs in the UK Apple Stores in order to activate iPhones on the spot, and it seems that the system isn't working as smoothly as many would like.
Apple to open 18th UK retail store in Bristol
British readers listen up! If you're a resident west of London, your choices for UK Apple Stores are -- shall we say -- somewhat limited. With just one store in the southwestern part of the UK (Exeter), and one on the south coast in Southampton, Apple's retail clout has yet to extend to the area in between (such as to other larger cities like Bristol). Fear not though, as Apple is indeed planning to open an Apple Store in Bristol later in the year.Apple has posted job vacancies for the (to be determined) location just today - meaning that the store will likely open in advance of Christmas. If you hear anything about the location, be sure to let us know.Thanks to all those who sent this in!Update: Multiple tipsters say the Cabot Circus development (scheduled to open in September) is home to the new store. Thanks folks!
New UK Retail Store opens this Saturday
Hear ye, hear ye Britons! If you were wondering when the much-delayed Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes retail store was opening, you can wonder no more, for this Saturday the store is throwing open its doors for the first time. ifoAppleStore (the site in the know about all things Apple Retail) points to 'mis-sized glass' causing the store's opening to slip well past the intended pre-Christmas opening. As with all Apple Store openings, there's a "Digital Lifestyle Collection" of a black MacBook and silver iPod nano to be won, with the first thousand people through the door nabbing a free T-shirt.The store opens at 9.30am this Saturday, 1st March. If you're attending, do send us your reports (and maybe watch for a TUAW operative amongst the sheep queue-rs) -- here's to hoping you manage to bag a T-shirt!Thanks to all those who sent this in!
Apple Store UK leaks 8-core Mac Pro
An 8-core Mac Pro wouldn't exactly be the surprise of the century -- it would've made sense for Apple to launch such a beast back last year when such rumors first emerged, and so much more so now -- but we can't help crack a grin when air-tight Apple leaks a product release onto its very own online store. Apple Store UK had just such a snafu today, advertising Mac Pros complete with "quad-core or 8-core processing power." Apple has since revised the page, and we're sure we won't hear a peep from the company about the release until it's good and truly ready, but there's pretty much no denying that 8-core Intel action is due any day now for big spendin' power users.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple UK: "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC." Smashing, isn't it?
Japanese isn't the only language barrier Apple's decided to cross with its "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" ads. Those UKians love their "shenanigans and tomfoolery" just as much as the next guy, and Apple has hired the Peep Show's Mitchell and Webb to do the honors as PC and Mac, respectively. The casting is in keeping with Apple's penchant for casting total squares as the Mac, but the pair do a good job of spicing up the commercials with a bit of dry British humor and sexy good looks. Peep some YouTube versions after the break.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple discontinues UK repair-by-mail service
According to Ping Wales, the Welsh IT News site, Apple has discontinued its UK mail-in repair service. Until now, customers with units covered by the AppleCare Protection Plan were sent prepaid shipping labels and packing materials. Items needing repair were then shipped to repair centers and returned directly to the customer. Customers are now being directed to physically take their items to authorized repair centers. The mail-in service was discontinued, according to Ping Wales, over a month ago without notice to customers or resellers. This change in policy means that customers may now have to make long trips to find a repair center, to deliver and pick up their equipment.
