AT&T stores to close, re-open ahead of iPhone

[AppleInsider]

AT&T, the exclusive wireless carrier for iPhone in the United States, will reportedly shutter its entire national retail chain for approximately two hours on June 29th to prepare for that evening's launch of the eagerly awaited Apple handset.

Specifically, a number of tipsters report that their local AT&T/Cingular wireless stores will temporarily close around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. and not reopen until 6:00 p.m. -- the same time Apple has stated its iPhone will be made available to the purchasing public.

The move will reportedly allow the nation's No. 1 wireless carrier to prevent large mobs from packing the retail locations ahead of the iPhone launch. Additionally, it's said to provide time for staffers to erect elaborate iPhone displays, which will reportedly require their own power supplies and Internet connection.

"[AT&T stores] will be setting up roped queue lines for when they re-open at 6:00 p.m.," said one tipster, who spoke with representatives at his local AT&T retail store in a smaller suburban market in central Pennsylvania. "They then plan on staying open till 10:00 p.m."

Reports from AT&T stores in more populated regions have indicated that those locations would remain open until midnight on the 29th.

Individual AT&T retail store representatives contacted by AppleInsider were unable to provide further details, saying they do not expect formal training and final briefings on the Apple handset until "a day or two" before launch.

On a related note, one AT&T retail employee told AppleInsider that his location recently received a significant shipment of iPhone accessories, none of which were Apple made.

"One was an acrylic clear case/holster, another was a leather case, and the last batch were pink/blue/black/clear silicone gel cases," the employee said. "I don't know if these were sent out nationwide or not but it's a little unusual to receive accessories for a handset 2 weeks before launch."

For its part, Apple has announced plans to market one of its own accessories alongside iPhone -- a wireless Bluetooth headset, which recently received the green light from regulators at the FCC.

Pricing details and availability for the Apple accessory have not been released.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[EruIthildur]

It sounds like AT&T is commited

[bavlondon2]

Im so jealous

[TednDi]

made for iphone revenue anyone?

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

For its part, Apple has announced plans to market two of its own accessories alongside iPhone. One is a wireless Bluetooth headset, which recently received the green light from regulators at the FCC. The second is a wired headset with built-in microphone.

Pricing details and availability for the Apple accessories have not been made public.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

Where was the confirm on the 'wired headset with mic' as being an accessory that can be purchased. This is not included with the iPhone?

[nagromme]

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

Where was the confirm on the 'wired headset with mic' as being an accessory that can be purchased. This is not included with the iPhone?

I'm pretty sure it IS included. I think Jobs said so originally, and they'd need to include earbuds anyway for iPod use. And the Apple iPhone site shows the earbuds as having the mic pod:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/index4.html

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

.... stores will temporally close around 4:00 or 4:30 p.m. and not reopen until .......

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

Not spatially?

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I'm pretty sure it IS included. I think Jobs said so originally, and they'd need to include earbuds anyway for iPod use. And the Apple iPhone site shows the earbuds as having the mic pod:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/index4.html

Thanks,

-K

[plus]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

.... AT&T/Cingular wireless stores will temporally close around 4:00 or ....

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Not spatially?

No, no ... each store will continue to occupy the same space, silly! The two-hour closure is merely a temporal event.

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I'm pretty sure it IS included. I think Jobs said so originally, and they'd need to include earbuds anyway for iPod use. And the Apple iPhone site shows the earbuds as having the mic pod:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/index4.html

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Anyone else notice how manufactured that image is? You see one cable leading up to one earbud, and then the other one is just kindof hanging out there.

[Louzer]

Its a PR gambit, nothing more. They just want to have pictures of people standing in line so to drive the PR people (all of which will be wasted, for everyone knows that no one pays attention to the news in the summer over a weekend.

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I'm pretty sure it IS included. I think Jobs said so originally, and they'd need to include earbuds anyway for iPod use. And the Apple iPhone site shows the earbuds as having the mic pod:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/index4.html

I went back and listened to the MWSF 2007 Keynote and yes, he said they'd be shipping the earphones that include the mic.

But then he showed the bluetooth headset too and said the same thing "we'll be shipping". For neither he said that they would be shipping with the phone.

Do you think we'd get a twofer?

[kfugere]

I thought the bluetooth headset was going to be included with iphone as well...I am pretty sure Jobs specified this in his keynote. Does anyone know anything?

[melgross]

Originally Posted by plus

No, no ... each store will continue to occupy the same space, silly! The two-hour closure is merely a temporal event.

Unless the stores are actually Tardis's. Then they could occupy a different space during the time they are closed.

[Matthew Yohe]

"Now let me tell you about some accessories we’ve got for iPhone. Got some great stereo headphones we’re going to be shipping, and they’ve got a little addition to them, which is this little thing right over here. It’s a microphone and a switch, so you can talk, you have them in there, you can get a call and just talk. Beautiful reception on the microphone. And just push it together to answer a call or hang up on a call. So you can be wearing them. It just dangles right there and picks up your voice beautifully. And we also have a Bluetooth accessory headset that we’re going to be shipping and there it is right there. It’s incredibly small and just to let you see what it looks like, it’s got one button on the top for answering and hanging up a phone call. You never have to turn it off or on. It just goes to sleep. It automatically pairs with iPhone so you don’t have to worry about pairing. It’s really simple. And it’s very tiny. This is what it looks like in-ear. It’s just beautiful. It’s the coolest one that we’ve ever seen. So Bluetooth headset coming as well."

--Steve Jobs, Macworld 2007 Transcript

[desarc]

during the keynote, SJ said the headphones with wired mic will be included, then he said they're also developing a bluetooth headset. he never said it would be included. that obviously means it's not.


edit... yeah what matt quoted...heck maybe the headphones aren't even included.

[Porchland]

Originally Posted by Louzer

Its a PR gambit, nothing more. They just want to have pictures of people standing in line so to drive the PR people (all of which will be wasted, for everyone knows that no one pays attention to the news in the summer over a weekend.

I suspect the two-hour closing is to allow AT&T employees ample time to roll around naked in a sea of iPhones.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by plus

No, no ... each store will continue to occupy the same space, silly! The two-hour closure is merely a temporal event.

This is why Steve invented Spaces. For just such a possibility.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by desarc

during the keynote, SJ said the headphones with wired mic will be included, then he said they're also developing a bluetooth headset. he never said it would be included. that obviously means it's not.


edit... yeah what matt quoted...heck maybe the headphones aren't even included.

Wired headphone with mic, can cost as little as $20. But, the cheapest wireless versions I've seen start well upwards of $50, and that's for the cheap ones. The better models are upwards of $125.

So, I can see the wired version being free, but not the wireless model.

[JupiterOne]

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

"Now let me tell you about some accessories we’ve got for iPhone. Got some great stereo headphones we’re going to be shipping, and they’ve got a little addition to them, which is this little thing right over here. It’s a microphone and a switch, so you can talk, you have them in there, you can get a call and just talk. Beautiful reception on the microphone. And just push it together to answer a call or hang up on a call. So you can be wearing them. It just dangles right there and picks up your voice beautifully. And we also have a Bluetooth accessory headset that we’re going to be shipping and there it is right there. It’s incredibly small and just to let you see what it looks like, it’s got one button on the top for answering and hanging up a phone call. You never have to turn it off or on. It just goes to sleep. It automatically pairs with iPhone so you don’t have to worry about pairing. It’s really simple. And it’s very tiny. This is what it looks like in-ear. It’s just beautiful. It’s the coolest one that we’ve ever seen. So Bluetooth headset coming as well."

--Steve Jobs, Macworld 2007 Transcript

Right, "going to be shipping". A little vague, don't you think? He never said they would be included with the phone, but then again, every iPod comes with headphones. And getting the bluetooth headset thrown it would make the prices a bit less painful.

[desarc]

Originally Posted by melgross

So, I can see the wired version being free, but not the wireless model.

they will ship in the box, but there will be a $1.99 fee simply for accounting purposes. don't wanna break any laws.

[mrjoec123]

Originally Posted by kfugere

I thought the bluetooth headset was going to be included with iphone as well...I am pretty sure Jobs specified this in his keynote. Does anyone know anything?

I watched the keynote more than once. He said something to the effect that "here are some accessories we'll be shipping." And then he mentioned the wired earbuds and the bluetooth. Accessories sounds like something extra, not something that ships in the box. But I can't see them not shipping the wired headphones with the microphone.

The bluetooth headset will almost certainly NOT be included.

[a_greer]

Originally Posted by JupiterOne

it would make the prices a bit less painful.

the only free-bee add-in that would lessen the pain of a $500 handset is an hour with a hooker...or maybe $250 off a macbook

[a_greer]

Originally Posted by melgross

Wired headphone with mic, can cost as little as $20. But, the cheapest wireless versions I've seen start well upwards of $50, and that's for the cheap ones. The better models are upwards of $125.

So, I can see the wired version being free, but not the wireless model.

Where do you shop?
$44 Jabra good
$20 jabra works for me
$40 Motorolagets the job done

What exactly does a high end headset have that a cheap one lacks? nothing in my tests...if you have connectivity problems, it will be with the crappy cingular/att network long before it is from "inferior" bluetooth

[desarc]

Originally Posted by a_greer

the only free-bee add-in that would lessen the pain of a $500 handset is an hour with a hooker...or maybe $250 off a macbook

even if they included an iTunes gift card... 50 bucks to put a movie or two, couple of tv shows and some songs on your phone?

[McHuman]

Originally Posted by Porchland

I suspect the two-hour closing is to allow AT&T employees ample time to roll around naked in a sea of iPhones.

Umm..will those ones be discounted then?

[CRHain88]

Huh?

I wonder if this is nixing my camp outside the store idea?

[DGNR8]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

This is why Steve invented Spaces. For just such a possibility.

Steve didn't invent spaces, he just allowed multiple desktops onto OSX which has been there for years with ever other *nix OS out there.

This my sole reason for upgrading to Leopard and I say it is about freaking time, why did it take so long.

BTW the iPhone will ship with earbuds.
There is no way Mr. Jobs is going to ship an iPod without earbuds.
The earbuds in the photo with probably be the ones shipping with the iPhone and the Bluetooth headset will be available for additional cost.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Anyone else notice how manufactured that image is? You see one cable leading up to one earbud, and then the other one is just kindof hanging out there.

It looks like the angle and position of the other bud on the left can reasonably obscure the other cord. What it can't obscure is the fact that the ear buds aren't plugged in.

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by CRHain88

Huh?

I wonder if this is nixing my camp outside the store idea?

If you mean camping outside before the store opens in the AM, then yes.

[webmail]

Please if I have to stand in line with a guy who smells like BO from baking in the sun all day....

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

If you mean camping outside before the store opens in the AM, then yes.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by DGNR8

Steve didn't invent spaces, he just allowed multiple desktops onto OSX which has been there for years with ever other *nix OS out there.

This my sole reason for upgrading to Leopard and I say it is about freaking time, why did it take so long.

There are third party utilities that give Tiger virtual desktop capabilities. Have you tried them?

BTW the iPhone will ship with earbuds.
There is no way Mr. Jobs is going to ship an iPod without earbuds.

Normally, I'd say that it would be one more thing to strip out of the package, but because of how iconic it is, I would agree.

[DHagan4755]

I wonder if the online Apple Store will go down "for updates" that Friday at like 5:00?

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by DGNR8

Steve didn't invent spaces, he just allowed multiple desktops onto OSX which has been there for years with ever other *nix OS out there.

Once again, these comments seem to go off target unless accompanied by an emoticon... It was a joke.

[DGNR8]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

Once again, these comments seem to go off target unless accompanied by an emoticon... It was a joke.

Yeah Ummm OK

I am going to know you are joking because...

How do I know you know about multiple desktops?
I see a comment that looks to be un-informed (No sign of joking in it) and try to add to the discussion by pointing out facts.

[Doxxic]

"it's a little unusual to receive accessories for a handset 2 weeks before launch"

You bet!

[kemcqueen]

Originally Posted by DGNR8

Yeah Ummm OK

I am going to know you are joking because...

How do I know you know about multiple desktops?
I see a comment that looks to be un-informed (No sign of joking in it) and try to add to the discussion by pointing out facts.

Maybe because it was all part of the thread-within-a-thread about the spatial/temporal thing... Try to keep up, here. Sheesh. By the way, this is a joke.

[desarc]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

Once again, these comments seem to go off target unless accompanied by an emoticon... It was a joke.

100% true. sarcasm [all humor even] is lost here w/o 739 bytes of animated gif.

[DGNR8]

Originally Posted by kemcqueen

Maybe because it was all part of the thread-within-a-thread about the spatial/temporal thing... Try to keep up, here. Sheesh. By the way, this is a joke.

I made an observation and made a comment on it that was not rude or even condescending but rather was based on facts, and then I get responded to like I am a child.
I responded to a comment towards mine proposing that basically I am an idiot for not reading their mind and ONLY READING WHAT THEY WROTE.
Then you decide to jump in with your far superior intellect by be being condescending to me also.

Say whatever you great intellectual minds can conjure up to berate me, I am done with you children.

[EruIthildur]

Originally Posted by DGNR8

I made an observation and made a comment on it that was not rude or even condescending but rather was based on facts, and then I get responded to like I am a child.
I responded to a comment towards mine proposing that basically I am an idiot for not reading their mind and ONLY READING WHAT THEY WROTE.
Then you decide to jump in with your far superior intellect by be being condescending to me also.

Say whatever you great intellectual minds can conjure up to berate me, I am done with you children.

The art of forum humor... Not for everyone, I never saw a personal attack.
*sheesh* Hopefully this is a temporal, err that is temporary, issue as this thread was quite funny.