Overhead shot of mysterious “white box” Apple built at the Flint Center, Cupertino. (Photo credit Fortune.com)
In a departure from recent events, Apple will be streaming this morning’s big news live from the Flint Center in Cupertino, beginning at 10am PT / 1pm ET. (NOTE: Live stream requires Apple’s Safari browser. Also available on the Apple Events channel on Apple TV.) Apple is rumored to be introducing a new iPhone (or two?), and possibly a companion wearable device many sites are referring to as the iWatch. But truth be told, outside of Apple’s inner circle, no one knows for sure what will happen. Even though Connecting Point is an Apple Specialist, and has a relationship with Apple stretching back over three decades, we’re as in the dark as everyone else about the true nature of this event.
A number of leading tech and news sites will be live blogging this event:
Apple Inc. launched an iPhone battery replacement program today. Apparently, a “very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.” Qualifying devices experiencing battery-related issues may have their battery replaced at no charge to you. Here’s how the program works…
STEP #2: Once you’ve determined that your phone does indeed qualify, bring it in to either one of our locations. There, Connecting Point SERVICE will run a brief diagnostic to verify your phone is having battery-related issues. PLEASE NOTE:Your iPhone 5 must fail this diagnostic in order for us to replace its battery. Apple has made it clear we cannot supply a replacement unless it meets this condition.
STEP 3: Once we verify your iPhone 5 qualifies for the program, we’ll add you to a growing list of customers also awaiting battery replacements. We currently have a large number of batteries on order, but as of August 28th, none have shipped.
STEP #4: Once your battery arrives, we will immediately contact you to set up a date to bring in your iPhone 5. Unfortunately, this is not a procedure that can be performed while you wait. We will strive for a one-day turnaround, to minimize the time you spend without your iPhone.
In short, we’ll take care of everything, regardless of where you purchased your iPhone. Connecting Point is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, able to work on all Apple products, in or out of warranty. If you have additional questions, give us a call, or contact Connecting Point SERVICE via this handy form.
Here’s a great little 12-volt mobile socket USB charger, small and inexpensive enough to keep in every vehicle.
It’ll charge your smartphone, your MP3 player, and most other small-ish USB devices. It glows blue when plugged in, so you’ll know at a glance when it’s doing its job. It’s normally 20 bucks, but as this week’s DOTW, you can get one (or two or five) for just $4.99 each.
Find out more about our latest Deal of the Weekhere.
Think for a moment: How many gadgets do you currently own that are charged via USB?
iPhones and most other smartphones are recharged using USB. So are iPods, along with many cameras, electronic toys, and myriad other devices.
So it’s always nice to have another place to plug these devices into. And that’s where this week’s DOTW comes in. This well-built, reliable, compact USB charger is also supremely affordable. In fact, we believe you’ll get a real charge out of the fact it’s on sale this week for just $4.99 – which is 75% off the regular price.
A new 60-second TV commercial spotlighting the iPhone 5s, Parenthood, was posted by Apple last Sunday. In it, parents are shown using their iPhones to teach kids how to brush their teeth, as well as using it as a baby monitor, to find a lost pet, and to turn down the room lights. This dovetails neatly with Apple’s recent announcements surrounding HomeKit, a platform for smart home devices.
It also happens to be a clever, warm and engaging piece of advertising.
STEP 3: Once we verify your iPhone 5 qualifies for the program, we’ll add you to a growing list of customers also awaiting battery replacements. We currently have a large number of batteries on order, but as of August 28th, none have shipped.
