We all knew something was up, and over the weekend Apple took the wraps off what is being called “Apple Store 2.0,” a revamp that includes various new niceties. The changes, which coincided with Apple’s 10th retail anniversary, involve both consumer facing changes and behind-the-scenes tweaks that will combine to improve an already unique retail experience. Most notably, perhaps, are the thousands of iPad 2 units that have replaced paper signs and info cards next to Apple’s demo device...

A Verizon Wireless spokesperson has shed some light on the fate of the HTC Merge — an Android 2.2 handset first discovered last September. The device, which was officially announced by HTC in February, has fallen in and out of obscurity for months. Now, according to the latest report, users may finally get a chance to purchase the handset. Speaking with blog Phone Scoop, a Verizon representative explained, “The HTC Merge was approved for use on the Verizon Wireless network and is being sold by thi...

On April 20th, a Verizon Wireless spokesperson was quoted as saying the company was “still evaluating” whether it would carry Research In Motion’s BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in its retail stores. Eleven days later, it looks like that evaluation is over. The company has the PlayBook listed in its 2011 winter consumer guide with a “coming soon” tag. RIM had initially indicated that Verizon would be carrying its QNX-based tablet, making the evaluation comment worrisome to some pu...

Reuters is reporting that Verizon Wireless is still debating whether or not to distribute Research In Motion’s new tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook, via its sales channels. “We’re still evaluating the BlackBerry Playbook and have not made a determination as to whether we’re going to distribute it,” said a Verizon Wireless spokesperson speaking to the publication. The new tablet, which runs RIM’s QNX-based software, launched in U.S. and Canadian markets yesterday. The Water...

We exclusively reported Sprint would be getting an identical version of the Motorola XOOM sans LTE and adding a WiMAX radio, and we now have received a second confirmation — cases for the Motorola XOOM just started showing up at Sprint stores nationwide. No word on availability of the Motorola XOOM, but we’d anticipate it peeking it’s head up pretty soon.Thanks, Adam! (more…)

Apple, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless have independently fired off press releases letting us know exactly how and when we can acquire yourself an iPad 2 tomorrow, March 11th. Starting at 5:00 p.m. local time, interested parties can head to an Apple, AT&T, or Verizon Wireless retail store to purchase the 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB tablet in white or black. Verizon will be offering four data plans for the iPad 2:1GB per month – $203GB per month – $355GB per month – $5010GB per month – $80...

While no formal announcement has been made, Verizon Wireless has updated its website to reflect the fact that it will begin selling Apple’s new iPad 2 on launch day, March 11th. Details surrounding the launch have not been clarified, but Verizon Wireless is expected to begin selling the highly anticipated iOS tablet at 5:00PM local time on launch day, in line with other retailers that will offer the iPad 2. Verizon will sell a 3G-enabled version of the tablet that is compatible with its EV-DO network, a...

Just a friendly reminder to all those looking to pick up an iPhone from Verizon Wireless: the device officially hits store shelves today. Those coveting a CDMA iPhone can hit up Apple Stores, Best Buys, Walmarts, and, of course, Verizon Wireless retail locations with credit card in hand. Good luck and happy hunting.

With Windows Phone having launched just this past Monday, and with rumors of the new smartphone OS selling 40,000 units on launch day (impressive, in our opinion), we wanted to do some digging of our own. We reached out to 15 corporate AT&T stores in the New York City, Miami, and Chicago areas to get an idea of what was selling — and any feedback sales reps had from customers.  The big theme we found? While stores aren’t sold out of the devices, we were told a lot of them had almost sold out ...

It appears as though Apple is really starting to loosen up the death grip (pun intended) its kept on the iPhone’s retail-distribution channels for the past three years. Yesterday, big box retailer Target announced that it would be carrying the Cupertino company’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS smartphones in 846 retail locations beginning on November 7th. “At Target we continue to offer our guests the best in electronics so we’re happy to add iPhone to our Target Mobile offerings,” said...

Today, Sprint announced that it would expand its Common Cents Mobile offering to an additional 500 Walmart locations. As the press release explains, “Common Cents Mobile is the only pay-as-you-go service offering Round Down minutes, allowing budget-conscious consumers to pay for only what they use — or even less.” If you’re reading this article, this service is — in all likelihood — not aimed at you. ”Smartphones come with bells and whistles like Web browsing and mus...

What is inside the mysterious displays that have been showing up at AT&T retail locations around the country? Well, we don’t know exactly… but we’ve been given a little more information that we thought we would share. According to one of our sources, inside the clandestine display is a small TV and rack where an unknown piece of hardware will sit. Today, managers began receiving metal display boxes with three-digit pad locks on them, the outside of the box reads: “Hero Fixture Lau...

Thanks to a VZW tipster, we’ve been informed that Verizon Wireless stores are receiving regular shipments of the new Motorola DROID X. (more…)

The DROID X proved to be extremely popular today, as the first production run is now sold out online. Folks looking to avoid the dreaded mail-in-rebate by buying online will now have to wait until July 23rd for their handset to ship. In-store sales have been equally strong with most stores selling through their launch day inventory. If you didn’t snag a DROID X yet don’t despair, additional shipments are expected to replenish the brick and mortar stores in the upcoming days.Thanks, Jeff! (more...