Apple releasing concierge iPhone app?

This is long overdue, but now there are rumors circling that Apple may in fact be releasing a Concierge iPhone app. This will be geared for the Apple Store customers, letting them make Genius Bar appointments as well as signing up for One-on-One appointments - all from the convenience of an iPhone or iPod Touch.

It would be great to be on your way to an Apple Store and to just make an appointment even when there's no computer available at the moment. This will be the first app that will tie in with the Apple retail experience.

No word on a release date.

via iPhoneAlley

Apple makes changes to stores in time for holidays

Image source: Tony Shi's flickr photostreamAs Microsoft begins rolling out their retail stores, Apple is allegedly preparing to make some changes to their own store, just in time for the holiday season.

The first reported change is phasing out multiple shirt colors that employees wear in order to differentiate themselves by their roles. These color coded uniforms tend to confuse shoppers as to who handles each task. Allegedly there will be only one color of uniform for all employees, although ifoAppleStore reports that the color may change every few months just to keep things fresh. 

The other change will involve the checkout system, which will be switching from the Microsoft EasyPay handhelds to iPod touches that will be custom-equipped with a barcode reading accessory. This checkout system will also allow customers to pay with cash on the spot, rather than having to maneuver to the cash register. Apparently, the Windows CE-based devices were "prone to crashes and non-responsiveness by employees." 

Surprise!

So in the near future, you'll be able to go in and out of an Apple Store even faster with all your shiny new goods!

via MacLife.com