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Apple returns a few Verizon iPad 2s to sender (updated: some got through)
Several 9to5Mac readers noticed a rather peculiar phenomenon this last week -- their freshly-ordered Verizon iPad 2 units shipped all the way from China just fine, only to boomerang back to sender right before delivery time. Now, Reuters has the official word: Apple's recalling an "extremely small number" of Verizon iPad 2s which were flashed with a duplicate MEID code. Should they have been delivered, users would probably have found themselves unable to connect to 3G, or booted off before long, as Verizon reportedly can only have one device with that unique identifier on the network at once. We're not sure whether to applaud, but it's good to see manufacturers taking responsibility for their hardware before it hits shelves. Update: We spoke with Apple about this, who wouldn't give us much beyond the official quote -- which is, for the record: "Duplicate MEID codes were flashed onto an extremely small number of iPad units for the Verizon 3G network." That said, we were able to confirm that a few of these 3G iPad 2s sneaked through and got into the hands of customers. Apple is, of course, replacing those free of charge, so if you're in possession of a brand new iPad that was never able to get on 3G... you know who to call. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Current stock of Verizon iPad 2s being pulled by Apple?
Several posts on Apple's support forums suggest Apple is withholding shipments of a select number of Verizon iPad 2s. Details are sparse but shipments en route from China are apparently being called back to their destination. 9to5Mac was also reportedly told by a store employee that Apple has provided a list of serial numbers for Verizon iPad 2 models. All shipments from June 6 to June 11 are supposed to be scanned for these blacklisted devices. If any are found, they are sent back to Apple. This one store has already sent back 100 tablets. From the description, this unknown problem apparently affects a handful of Verizon iPad 2 units. Neither Apple nor Verizon has publicly commented on this unexpected and unofficial recall.
RIM recalls 900 faulty BlackBerry PlayBooks, here are the serial numbers (update)
We found the BlackBerry PlayBook to be a pretty solid piece of hardware, but it seems there was a problem batch -- an inside source tells us that nearly 1,000 faulty tablets were shipped to Staples, and now they're being recalled. We're hoping that Staples (and any other affected retailers) will reach out to customers and inform them of the problem right away, but just in case that doesn't happen, we've compiled a searchable spreadsheet of all 935 alleged serial numbers for you to check against your own. Find it right after the break. Update: RIM tells Crackberry that the faulty batch of the 16GB tablets was indeed limited to the approximately 1,000 units described here, and that they had a faulty build of the OS "that may result in the devices being unable to properly load software upon initial set-up." Furthermore, the company says that only a few went out to customers and that most are still in distribution, so with any luck you'll never have to deal with this problem to begin with.
Samsung refutes high Galaxy Tab returns, says rate is 'below 2 percent'
Poor Samsung can't catch a break. First executive Lee Young-hee was misunderstood, saying that sales of the Galaxy Tab were "quite smooth" but the transcript of that conversation saying that they were instead "quite small." Now the company is refuting another claim, that return rates for the Tab are near 16 percent. The company did so in a statement so tersely worded we can feature its entirety right here: The return rate of the Galaxy Tab in the US as claimed by an North American market research firm is incorrect. According to Samsung Electronics Mobile Communications Business the return rate is below 2 percent. So, there you have it. Below two percent, and right on par with what we've heard for the iPad.
Samsung experiencing a 16 percent return rate on the Galaxy Tab? (updated: Samsung responds!)
Just a few days back, Samsung announced it had moved around 2 million Galaxy Tabs in the latter part of 2010. According to new data released by ITG Investment Research using tracked point-of-sale info, however, the story is a little more complicated. The company tracked about 6,000 retail stores in the United States from the November date of release of the tab through January 15th, and the return rate hovered around 13 percent, rising even further -- to about 16 percent -- with holiday sales returns. Now, rates of return estimates are just that -- estimates -- but 6,000 locations is nothing to shrug off. We'll have to wait and see longer term what this means for the Tab's legacy, but let us know your thoughts in the comments: have you returned a Galaxy Tab, or are you still in love? Update: Sammy says no way.
Apple will drop restocking fees on January 11
A rumor out of 9to5 Mac suggests Apple will drop its 10 percent restocking fees starting January 11. These fees were assessed when a customer brought a product back within the 14-day return and could get quite expensive, especially for the high-end MacBook Pro notebooks or Mac Pro desktops. The reasoning behind this rumored policy change was not divulged, but Apple may be following in the footsteps of Best Buy, which got rid of its restocking fees this past holiday shopping season. This new no restocking fee policy may also explain why some Apple stores were covering their windows last night. Signage promoting this new policy would need to be set up by employees working under the cover of night. Coincidentally, this January 11 date is also the same day Verizon Wireless is hosting an event, we assume to announce the CDMA iPhone. [Via Engadget]
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!
Android Market update streamlines content, nukes tabs, dismantles 24-hour return policy to appease devs
Updates have been coming fast and furious to Google's Android Market for a couple weeks now, but this is the biggest shift yet -- that rusty tab-based interface is out, replaced with a rotating carousel of downloadable content, and a single scrolling pane of info for each and every app. What's more, it seems that Mountain View has heard the cries of game companies in particular, as it's got a couple of very special changes largely targeted at them -- the size cap on individual apps has been upped to 50MB, and Android Market's famous 24-hour return policy is no more. You'll still have 15 minutes to decide whether you want a piece of software or prefer a refund, perhaps long enough to give it a basic test, but there's no longer enough time to finish a game in one sitting before slyly giving it a pass. There's also a number of behind-the-scenes changes that should help make sure you only see apps your device can actually run, based on screen size, pixel density and OpenGL support. Google's pushing the update to every Android 1.6-and-above device over the next couple of weeks, so you can expect your app purchasing world to turn upside-down in time for Christmas cheer. Update: There are also two new categories being added: widgets and live wallpapers. Update 2: Of course, no self-respecting hacker waits for an OTA to get what they can sideload right now, and so XDA-developers is now distributing the new Android Market APK -- we'd suggest you give it a try too, but we're hearing that some folks are having difficulty downloading apps at all after the update. Still, the folks at Android Police seem to have it working, and have taken a host of screenshots of the interface. Go give them a peek at our more coverage link. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nintendo returning to CES after a 16-year absence
If there's one event that's immune to being overhyped, it's the annual January expo of everything consumer electronics, known to you and us as CES. The only downer to this geek endurance test is that we've felt it's been lacking a little on the gaming front lately, which is why we're so giddy to hear the news that Nintendo will be rejoining the ranks of exhibitors over in Las Vegas in a few weeks' time. CES 2011 will be the first time in 16 years that the console sales leader has deigned to pitch up a stand at America's biggest tech show, with our suspicion being that the event will be used as an opportunity to remind the world about the upcoming 3DS handheld. Or to drop that Wii HD bombshell we've all been waiting for. Yeah, right!
The Daily Grind: What would bring you back?
So you unsubscribed. It happens. Much as we'd like to think otherwise, no MMO entertains us forever, and whether it's a patch that changed a lot of fundamentals or just a general growing dissatisfaction with the game is largely irrelevant. What matters is that you stop and let the game drift out of your consciousness for a while, until you really barely remember your favorite times in the game. That is until something catches your eye and gets you reading about all the things that have changed; until you find yourself drawing out your credit card and eagerly re-subscribing. Just like no MMO keeps us forever, many games won't lose us forever, even if we take a break. The question is: what would spur you to start playing an old favorite again? A new expansion? Promises that the biggest problems you'd found had been fixed? A change in management? Or is it just a case where time heals all wounds and absence makes the heart grow fonder?
Apple: iPhone 4 drops 'less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS'
It's fairly obvious that the howls around the web for Apple to address this antenna issue has gotten underneath the skin of one Steve Jobs, and in a fashion that's very much unlike Apple (or AT&T, for that matter), the aforesaid CEO has actually handed out a bit of hard data surrounding dropped calls on the iPhone 4. According to Jobs, AT&T won't reveal the exact amount of call drops for competitive reasons, but they did manage to push out a meaningful delta. As of today, they've noticed that the "iPhone 4 drops less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS." In other words, the iPhone 4 has actually been dropping more calls than the 3GS in the three weeks that the former has been on the market. Of course, Steve's also playing up the fact that just a fraction of a percent of all buyers have bothered to call in about their bout with dropped calls (and why would you, knowing there's no cure?), but it's still interesting to finally get some cold, hard facts on this disaster. Even if it's but a snippet.
Darkfall ropes players back in with free gametime
Do you hear that? That faint yet alluring noise drifting over the MMO plains? 'Tis the siren song of the free gametime, my child. It twists and turns with the wind, seeking out every nook and cranny where a potential player may be hidden. Few can escape its call, but then again, why would they want to? Over on the Darkfall forums comes the announcement of a Return to Darkfall campaign aimed at previous players. If you were a Darkfall player before April 2010, Adventurine wants to invite you back for a two-week free play session. North American players also have the option to transfer to the NA server for free during this period. Adventurine is directing NA players to sign back up here, and EU players to head over there. The 14-day free play offer will end on May 31st, so if you tasted of the fruits of Darkfall in the past and want to see if it's sweeter today, now is the time to hop back on board! [Thanks Billy!]
The iPad rent-a-date
You can go tickle an iPad for free at any Apple Store. You can caress, stroke, and otherwise test out the "magical" touch-based interface. However, if you want to go further, second base for example, be prepared to pony up $50. TUAW has realized that for that low, low price, you can bring that baby home with you and enjoy her in the privacy of your own home for up to two weeks. Return her back to the store, none the worse for wear (don't forget to use "protection"), and you'll be assessed a mere 10% of the purchase price as an, ahem, "restocking fee." Of course, your mileage may vary, so buy at your own risk -- this is just an idea we're throwing out there, in case anyone wants to catch and run with it. But then again, why deny yourself the temporary love of an iPad while you're waiting for the 3G of your dreams? There's no need to deny your basic desires until the "keeper" comes along. If you want to try and get a little creative with Apple's return policy, we won't be the ones to stop you.
Police catch 360 thief thanks to RRoD return
Ah, the Red Ring of Death. Most cursed malady of this console generation, maligned by the casual and the hardcore alike! But for all the frustration the Xbox 360's three lights of crimson chaos have caused, here's a little good: If it weren't for a certain RRoD in Florida, one Michael Dunbar would never have been brought to justice. Dunbar was accused of stealing the console and pawning it off to a shop, but without the serial number, police told the victim that they couldn't bring him in. Fortunately, the victim's grandmother suddenly remembered she'd sent the system in for an RRoD, and a phone call to Microsoft later, they got a serial number, Dunbar was arrested by the police, and we assume the console was returned to its rightful owner. Little consolation, we're sure, for the eight painful weeks you had to wait while your Xbox was sent back to Microsoft for repairs (two separate breakdowns for me personally). But it's good to hear that someone somewhere has been helped by Microsoft's RRoD exchange process.
One Shots: On the climb
As we discussed on the Massively Speaking podcast the other day, lots of players are headed back into Hyborea to check out the free 7-day trial. Hey, why not - for "free" all you really risk is time. Today's One Shots comes to us from Royale who is one such person who recently returned to Age of Conan. He writes in: I just returned to the game a couple weeks ago and this was my first run of my favorite dungeon Sanctum of Burning Souls. This is the stairway leading up to the final boss, the Acheronian Warlord. It's quite the hike to the boss, but it was worth it. This dungeon is awesome. Are you once again (or perhaps for the first time) turning to Age of Conan as home to your adventures? If you've snapped a cool screenshot from your favorite game - no matter the MMO - we'd love to see it! Send it in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game it is from, and a description. Yours could be next here on One Shots! %Gallery-9798%
Sony Ericsson C905s getting returned at a disturbing rate?
The C905's specs are enough to make even the occasional smartphone devotee swoon, but here's the thing: an 8.1 megapixel slider with AGPS, WiFi, and TV-out is about as useful as a PS3 running Vista if the firmware keeps crashing and burning. It seems that specific batches of C905s sold in the UK have been returned at crazy high rates -- up to 30 percent -- on account of nasty firmware bugs and unidentified "speaker faults," a problem eerily reminiscent of the earpiece problems recently seen on the European version of the Nokia 5800. For what it's worth, Sony Ericsson is aware of the problem and appears to be taking steps to correct it -- but unfortunately for those guys, most of the returners are probably lost to competing handsets at this point. [Via Daily Mobile]
Trojan PS2 made of wood earns store credit for craftsman, shame for retailer
Ever wonder why retail boxes for videogame consoles have windows in them? It's so that retailers can scan the serial numbers when you buy them and then do so again should you decide to make a return, in theory preventing you from pulling a switcheroo. They're also supposed to take a peek inside and make sure that you're not trying to return a plastic shell and two turquoise weights, or a hunk of wood with a bar code sticker slapped on the back. Joystiq has acquired photos of what happens when they don't, submitted by a worker at a Sony distribution center, also showing an empty PS2 case full of towels and another with a flip-top cover still installed that (with a boot disc) enabled its former owner to circumvent that console's lackluster copy protection. All were returned by customers to retailers who then passed them right on to Sony, asking for credit. Surely the above craftsmanship is worth something, right?
T-Mobile inexplicably revives Sidekick iD, sells for $49.99
Not being manufactured anymore, huh T-Mobile? So explain this, why don'tcha? In a move that we can only assume was made to clear out just-spotted excess inventory, T-Mobile is actually offering up the once-canned Sidekick iD on its website. Nothing looks to have changed -- you'll still be getting an unequivocally low-end hiptop, just to make sure we're clear -- but now it can be had for "just" $49.99 on contract. Which honestly, is pretty insulting given that it was only $50 more in April of 2007.[Via Hiptop3]
Aw, I just bought a MacBook last week ...
When I was faced with the decision of buying a MacBook Pro or waiting, I immediately took the leap of faith without knowing if Apple would be releasing a new unit within the next few weeks or not. As it turns out, I was wrong and Apple did release a new MacBook Pro. However, I did not suck it up and go on ... I went searching for some answers as to what you can do if you are in the same situation. In this post, I'm going to tell you what I found out. When you purchase a new product from Apple (either through the online store, or though a brick-and-mortar store) you have 14 days to return the product. With this 14-day policy, Apple also gives you price protection. From my understanding this covers both pricing decreases as well as new products coming out. When I took my MacBook Pro to the Apple Store, they immediately looked at my receipt and asked if I wanted a new one. I thought, "This can't be this easy, can it?" There is a caveat with replacing your old machine with a new model: the Apple Store might charge you a "re-stocking" fee. This is a 10% fee based on the initial purchase price. I questioned them about this and they told me that I would be getting an upgraded product. However, I was able to get my re-stocking fee waived after talking with the manager for a little while. The Bottom LineIf you bought a MacBook/Pro/Air in the past 14 days and want to upgrade to one of the newer models, it definitely wouldn't hurt to call up your local store (or Apple online customer service at 1-800-MY-APPLE) and talk to them about returning. Don't be surprised if they tell you about the restocking fee, they told me the same story until I took it into the store. Unlike most computer companies, Apple does try to make the situation right, and most of the time, you come out on top of the matter. Additional Resources Apple Retail Site Apple Return Policy
Has the migration back to Tabula Rasa begun?
Recently, with some of the new features added to Tabula Rasa in Deployments 10 and 11, it seems older, original players who left the game in droves are now curiously scratching the door, asking to be let back in. Is this a sign of things to come, as a part of the usually inevitable return to an MMO that most early adopters face, or just a sign of player boredom as we all await the fall launch season?Either way, and for whatever reason, it does seem like more players are making the return to Tabula Rasa and finding that they enjoy the game again. Of particular interest is a recent forum post over at PlanetTR where the players compile a pleasant list of things they've enjoyed in the game that seem different than other MMOs they've tried. After all the negativity surrounding the game in previous months, it's nice to see that the game might enjoy a resurgence afterall. It's happened before with other games, so it's certainly a possibility with Tabula Rasa as well.
