Apple Retail Stores to host hands on sessions and how-to's starting May

Apple Stores will host dozens of new educational sessions next month in all 495 Apple Stores ranging in topics from photo and video to music, coding, art and design, and more. The hands-on sessions, collectively called “Today at Apple,” will be led by highly-trained team members, and in select cities world-class artists, photographers and musicians, teaching sessions from basics and how-to lessons to professional-level programs.

“At the heart of every Apple Store is the desire to educate and inspire the communities we serve,” said Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail. “‘Today at Apple’ is one of the ways we’re evolving our experience to better serve local customers and entrepreneurs. We’re creating a modern-day town square, where everyone is welcome in a space where the best of Apple comes together to connect with one another, discover a new passion, or take their skill to the next level. We think it will be a fun and enlightening experience for everyone who joins."

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Video: See the opening of the first Canadian Google Shop

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Janell Fischer, Director of Global Retail Design for Google Inc. cut the ribbon today at the first Canadian Google Shop at the Best Buy Experience Store in Heartland Centre in Mississauga, Canada. 

 Comprised of nearly 700 square feet, Google's new shops are a reflection of the Google hardware brand in a retail space. Even the smallest detail, from the use of curved edges to the hand-picked colour palette, evoke a warm, inviting and playful feel. The shop is fully programmable, meaning its layout can evolve and change as Google’s products do.

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Apple Stores are now just Apple stores

Take special notice of the capitalization. Apple Stores will no longer be called Apple Stores. Instead, these “community hubs” will simply go by Apple *insert store’s location*. For example, the newly opened Apple store in World Trade Center is now just Apple World Trade Center. The tech company is looking to reframe the idea of its stores just being a place to purchase Apple products and accessories. There will be things like 6K video screens, greenery, and even the dismantling of Genius Bar setups in some stores to put in more seats. This change is spearheaded by Apple’s Senior VP for retail Angela Ahrendts. She was quoted saying at the unveiling of Apple Union Square, “The store becomes one with the community.”

Some of the other changes you can expect in Apple’s stores will include a more boutique feel to them with seasonal displays that will showcase various products. This time, they’re showing off iPhone photography accessory. It goes to show Apple is looking to sell you a lifestyle instead of just products.

Source: The Verge

Apple’s Store app for iOS gets peek and pop support

Apple has updated its official Store app on iOS to integrate a new 3D Touch feature: peek and pop support. You can now 3D Touch press on almost any image or link in the app to quickly show you a preview of what’s behind it. For example, press on the featured products and you’ll get to see what’s in the next screen. It must be noted that 3D Touch only works with iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus at the moment. The update also brings with it the availability of the app in Korea, Russia, and Thailand.

Source: 9to5Mac | Download: iTunes App Store (Free)