Apple has appointed John Browett as their new Senior Vice President of Retail. Mr Browett will be leaving his position of CEO of Dixons Retail, Europe’s largest specialist electrical retailer.

“Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we’ve met,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple.”

Prior to taking the reins of the Dixon Group, Browett also held high positions within Tesco plc and even had the CEO role for Tesco.com. Browett replaces former retail head, Ron Johnson who left Apple in the summer of last year to take the post of CEO at JC Penney.

Full press release below.

John Browett Joins Apple as Senior Vice President of Retail

CUPERTINO, California—January 30, 2012—Apple® today announced that John Browett will join the company as senior vice president of Retail, reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Browett comes to Apple from European technology retailer Dixons Retail, where he has been CEO since 2007. Beginning in April, he will be responsible for Apple’s retail strategy and the continued expansion of Apple retail stores around the world.

“Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we’ve met,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple.”

Prior to joining Dixons Retail, Browett held a series of executive positions at Tesco plc including CEO of Tesco.com. Earlier in his career he advised retail and consumer goods clients at Boston Consulting Group. He holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and an MBA from Wharton Business School.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

Apple has finally caught up with the huge demand for the iPhone 4S. For the first time since its iPhone 4S launch way back< in October/a>, all models of the iPhone 4S are now shown as in stock.

No matter which model you go for, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB or which carrier you choose from AT&T, Verizon or Sprint, they are all in stock. Even the unlocked and contract free models too.

Source: Apple Store via Macrumors

Amazon has launched a new web based Kindle Store designed specifically for the iPad. The new site looks and feels like an actual app rather than a web page however you don’t need to install anything to use the store.

Books are laid out in a cover flow arrangement and you can swipe through the books, click on the covers to see more information, read reviews and of course buy a book. If you do make a purchase, the book is automatically sent to your designated reading device. If you can’t wait that long, you can even read it within the new Kindle Store web page because Amazon has now made its Cloud Reader compatible with the iPad too. If you have your iPad handy, simply visit  http://www.amazon.com/iPadKindleStore to take a look at the new layout.

System wide voice-to-text dictation, once exclusive to iPhone 4S, has now been replicated on other iOS devices thanks to a Jailbreak hack called Siri0us. In order to use the dictation hack, you will need to have a jailbroken iOS 5 device. A point to note, the hack does not use Apple’s servers, it solely uses the Nuance speech recognition system on device, and it does not provide any of the Siri voice control features.

Currently it has been confirmed to work on an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4 generation. As we mentioned, the hack uses Nuance Speech Recognition however it is not officially licensed. The developer is hoping that Nuance will offer him the ability to purchase licenses to make the hack legal.

If you want to give it a try, add http://apt.if0rce.com to your list of Cydia sources, you should then be able to search for and install Siri0us. There appears to be a huge demand for the hack as the repository holding the app is getting hit with a lot of traffic and keeps going down.

Source: iForce via iDB

Apple has announced that it will be holding a one day holiday shopping event on Black Friday which just happens to be this Friday November 25^th.

Mark your calendar now, and come back to the Apple Online Store for the special one-day event. You’ll discover amazing iPad, iPod and Mac gifts for everyone on your list.

Source: Apple Store UK

A new and improved version of the Steve Jobs action figure, simply called the “Pineapple CEO”, is now available. This time around M.I.C did their best to avoid any infringing features — like the Apple logo stand — while adding Ninja throwing stars.

If you want to get your hands on a Ninja Steve it will cost you $89.90 (that includes shipping) and you should probably make the purchase as soon as possible considering Apple’s lawyers will be all over this in no time.

More images after the break!

[M.I.C store]

This week I had a chance to look at the black FlexGrip case for the iPad by Griffin, available in black, blue, purple and white. The FlexGrip manages to protect and look good. It’s made from silicon, but the slick kind. The case it self is not slippery, but rather it does not stick to surfaces. This is good if you place your iPad in a bag and want to access it easily but bad if you want it to grip on a surface.

I used the case for a couple of weeks putting it in and out of my backpack, laid it on tables, watched content on it, etc.  The only issue I had with the case is that the edge flashings do not grip the iPad’s glass tightly. This is an issue for me as I seem to collect lint where ever I go. I found myself having to occasionally clean out the lint particles. Also, it is important to note that if you use the iPad dock like I do, it does not fit in the dock with the case on.

Ultimately I liked Griffin FlexGrip for iPad. Just be aware of the looser flashings and that it is the slip not sticky silicone.

The Griffin FlexGrip for iPad is currently available for $28.95 from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Durable
• Protective
• Stylish

Cons

• Edge flashing are not flush against iPad’s glass

MacRumors says they are recieving several reports from their sources claiming that Apple is ready to debut their official retail store application for all iOS devices.

“Apple is planning to launch a new iOS application tomorrow that will offer customers access to the company’s online store and iPhone pre-ordering, as well as the ability to book Genius Bar appointments at brick-and-mortar retail stores.”

MacRumors also claims to have gotten word from a customer who emailed Steve Jobs last month regarding the possibility of an iPhone-friendly online Apple Store and received a reply of “Coming soon” from Jobs. This is one of those applications that we figured to have seen in the App Store long ago but with iPhone 4 pre-orders taking place tomorrow, the timing seems perfect.

[MacRumors]

If you are looking for even more next-gen iPhone hype you’ve found it as BGR has learned that AT&T currently may be preparing for the arrival of a new Apple device.

“AT&T has started to send engineers out to corporate store locations to try and plan / start setting up a “new kind of display.”

While the likelihood of this display being for the new iPhone it may be possible that AT&T is prepping to finally sell iPads in their corporate stores. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below!

[BGR]

Update: This app seems to break core functionality, read my article here on uninstalling Wi-Fi Sync. Until the developer decides these issues need to be addressed, I can’t recommend anyone pay for this application, or until another workaround is found. The developer has been completely unresponsive when I’ve tried to contact him about the issue and at this time, I have no current easy solution to resolving broken backups and upgrades.

Wi-Fi Sync for iPhone is a jailbreak app that allows you to wirelessly sync with iTunes as opposed to having to plug in your phone.  It found it’s way into Cydia after it was rejected by Apple.

As of now, Wi-Fi Sync is only Mac compatible.  The developer is currently working on a PC version which he states on his website should be complete in about 8-10 weeks.  If you have a Mac and want to try it out, simply click here to get the Mac desktop software, then go in Cydia and purchase Wi-Fi Sync [$9.99 - Cydia Link].

After you’ve installed Wi-Fi Sync on your Mac and your iPhone, you should now be able to pair them.  The first time you do this, you’ll need to be by your Mac as it’ll ask you to accept the connection.  You’ll see this new icon in your Mac task bar (far left).

From that menu you have a few settings.  One being to disable backups.  I did this, as backups typically take a while and obviously, over wifi, your syncs will not be as quick as they are via traditional USB connection.  It’ll definitely make your battery take a hit with backups enabled as the time it takes to sync drastically increases.  To disable backups, just click that little icon and click to disable backups.

Now I don’t know if it was just me or if it’s a bug but my Mac kept asking me to accept the connection everytime, or wouldn’t find it sporadically.  There was also a couple times it would boot me off and my iPhone would tell me I had no wi-fi connection.  As this app is in it’s newborn stages, we will see how it progresses in terms of stability and feature set.  As far as I see, you’ll also need to tell your phone to sync automatically if you plan on using this app while not directly in front of your computer.  If that setting isn’t there, you’ll physically have to be in front of your computer to hit sync, which to me is somewhat counter-productive.

In my opinion, it’s a nice tool but I don’t know if it’s worth $10 at this point.  I personally encountered a few more bugs than I would have expected for an app with this type of price tag.  We’ll see what the developer does to refine it in the coming months.

Pros

• Ease of use
• Convenient
• Uses same familiar syncing process users are already accustomed to

Cons

• Drains battery pretty quick
• Must have automatic sync enabled for this to be useful
• Price tag is somewhat high
• Mac Only (for now)
• Breaks backups within iTunes
• Breaks the upgrade/restore process within iTunes

It’s not surprise that Apple likes to keep things top secret when it comes to their new products not only from all of us but also from their very own employees as Reuters has just found out by interviewing current and past Apple Store employees.

“We haven’t seen it; we never do” before a product is launched, said one employee, who asked not to be identified because workers are barred from speaking with the media. “Every store employee I know, including the managers, they haven’t seen it.”

Now we understand why Apple is this strict when it comes to their new product launches – to avoid leaks. But there is a flip side to that coin as even Apple Store Geniuses are clueless as to how to fix the product let alone get their hands on it until the day of it’s release. Apple has reportedly even gone as far as having store managers guard pallets of new products the night prior to launch day.

So if you happen to go into your local Apple Store and start asking questions about a soon to be released product and you are not getting the answers you are seeking, cut the employee some slack as they truly are kept in the dark and more than likely don’t know much more than you. In fact, sometimes you are better off visiting our forums for more information.

[Via Mac Rumors via Reuters]

According to a source, AppleInsider says that within a few weeks the larger Apple Retail locations will have a new “Expert” position to fill that will serve as a roaming counterpart to existing “Geniuses”. The job description directly on Apple’s site says this position is not only available to current Apple employees who are seeking a promotion, but to anyone outside of the company that is capable and has a good amount of retail experience

“As an Expert, you’re not new to retail; you’ve had years of experience learning about and selling great products, either at the Apple Retail Store or elsewhere. What sets you apart as an Expert is the longing to take your game up a notch, to commit to a life-changing career where the challenges—and rewards—are greater than ever before.”

Interviews are rumored to begin this week, any of our reader’s ready to send in their resume?

[Via Apple Insider]

It looks as if the rumors of major publishers getting together to agree upon a set of open standards for a new digital storefront are indeed true. Today Apple Insider is reporting that Condé Nast, Hearst, News Corporation, Time Inc., and Meredith all have officially announced this collaboration.

“For the consumer, this digital initiative will provide access to an extraordinary selection of engaging content products, all customized for easy download on the device of their choice, including smartphones, e-readers and laptops,” said Squires, the interim managing director. “Once purchased, this content will be ‘unlocked’ for consumers to enjoy anywhere, anytime, on any platform.”

At first the store will solely be for newspapers and magazines with the possibility of books, comic books, blogs and more in the future. The publishers are now working on a reading application that will allow the reader to get that experience of the specific publications. Hopefully they come up with something that wows us.

How many of you would buy into this digital subscription idea?

[Via AppleInsider]

For those of you waiting for Apple’s new headphones, the patience you have displayed for the past 3 months has paid off. The day is finally here and you can now place your order.

Hear every detail of your music every time you tune in with the Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic. They offer pro audio performance and impressive sound isolation, and convenient buttons let you adjust the volume and control music and video playback.

The Apple store is claiming the Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic will begin shipping within 7-10 business days and will run you $79. The earphones with remote and mic carry a 3-4 week wait and have a price tag of $29. And with that 3-4 week wait, don’t expect these before the holidays.

Place your order today!

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We invite you to come visit the TiPb Store for the best selection of accessories (cases, headsets, chargers, memory cards, etc.) for Windows Mobile Phones at great, EVERYDAY LOW prices, year-round!.

Typically people think of Black Friday as the biggest shopping day of the year, but that applies more to brick and mortar than it does on the web. Here, we have Cyber Monday! To celebrate, the TiPb Store has created a very special 10% Off coupon valid until midnight PST on Monday, for accessories in the store only.

Simply enter the coupon code TIPBMONDAY at checkout, under billing info, to have the 10% discount applied to your entire cart of accessories.

(Cannot be combined with any other offer and does not apply to handling charges or taxes or software.)

10% Off until Midnight Pacific on Monday, December 1st.

Don’t forget! The TiPb store charges a flat fee of just $5.95 for UPS Ground shipments.UPS Next Day Air and Next Day Air A.M. shipping options are also available. Once you added an item to your cart, you can see a real-time quote for all the available services, delivery dates, and shipping costs to your destination.

Searching for a unique case that’ll make heads turn? Looking for a case that offers great protection and adds superb grip for your iPhone 3G? Well then, the Speck Products PixelSkin for iPhone 3G ($24.95) just might be for you. With a waffle-like texture wrapping around the entire case it offers both daring style and a sense of security. How does it perform? Are all those squares really put to use?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Make no mistake, the Speck Products PixelSkin isn’t an ordinary iPhone 3G case and it doesn’t pretend to be. Where other case makers choose to offer simple designs that try to remain as invisible as possible, the PixelSkin is loud, fun, and bold.

The PixelSkin is a rubber case that is textured with square blocks that wrap around the entire case. Imagine it as a big graphing grid or a waffle or a turtle shell or even a grenade. The rubber is thicker than most other cases and offers great protection of nearly the entire iPhone 3G—the PixelSkin even offers protection for the home button!

The color options are bright, bold, and plentiful. Black, White, Purple, Blue, Green, Pink, and Yellow are all available—for this review we’re using the Yellow version.

Usability

By choosing a thicker rubber, the textured grid of squares offer a much more superb grip than ordinary iPhone 3G silicone cases. Not only does it offer better protection than thinner cases, it also feels magnificent in hand. The rubber that Speck chooses is certainly best-in-class. However, the downside of using thicker rubber is the added thickness—you would have to debate whether the added protection outweighs the thickness.

Design-wise, the PixelSkin is likely to be a hate-it or love-it type affair. When using it as my main iPhone case for the past couple days I’ve received numerous compliments on it and questions asking where did I get one. I think for those wanting a stylish, attention-grabbing case— the PixelSkin is as good as it gets. It is eye catching and it is fun. The coloring is also wonderful, the yellow was more bright and bold than mold and mustard.

Because of the PixelSkin’s unique bottom port design (it kind of extends a thinner layer of rubber outward) it is able to be docked. This is highly unique with rubber cases because the added thickness typically does not fit. Applaud Speck Products for creating a great design. Frown on Apple for not including the dock with the iPhone 3G. Also, the cut for the headphone jack is very snug with the included Apple headset, so there may be connection issues with bigger headphone ports.

The problem with the case however is that the square grid design creates a lot of grooves for dust to settle in and the material itself seems to attract a lot of lint and dust. Though this isn’t a huge factor, I did find myself brushing off dust inside the grooves more than a few times.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved the feel of the PixelSkin—it manages to use a bold styling choice that doubles as a wonderfully grippy texture. The grid design will certainly have onlookers wondering just what the heck you are carrying. Though some might find the added thickness a nuisance, I think the added protection is worth it. Some silicone cases protect from just nicks and scratches, I’m fairly confident that the PixelSkin can survive drops. I think the PixelSkin should be considered by anyone looking for a fun case that adds good protection and incredible grip.

PROS

• Fun & Bold Design
• Grippy Material
• Many Color Choices
• Great Protection

CONS

• Design Might Not Appeal To Everyone
• Adds Thickness
• Attracts Lint & Dust

RATING:

Now that we’ve successfully giving away over a thousand dollars in iTunes Gift Cards and an iPhone 3G, it’s time for us to take a breather. Thing is, the way we take a breather here at TiPb is to start up another way for you to get what you want for your iPhone. Here’s the deal:

Head on over to our new “iPhone App Lightning Reviews” forum and, you know, post a review of an iPhone app. It can be native or web, legit or jailbroken. Be sure to include some screenshots as attachments — on iPhone 2.0, you can just hold down the home and powerbutton briefly and the screenshot will get saved to your camera album. Keep it around 500ish words, be fair, and try not to all review the same apps — though reviews after major updates are always a good idea. Give it a rating out of 5 stars and a couple pros and cons at the end too, for those crazy skimmers.

…Why would you do all that? Every so often the TiPb staff will be picking our favorites and promoting them to the front page. We’ll thank you by giving back to you. More after the break!

• that unique feeling that comes from having your opinion voiced on the main page of what we think is the best durn iPhone blog around
• the satisfaction of a job well-done
• …and, oh yeah, a 25% off coupon for our iPhone accessory store that you can use yourself or send along to a friend.

Our iPhone accessory store has made the move over from Phone different (We’re all TiPb now, baby!) and is stocked now with bluetooth headsets, wired headphones, and cases compatible with both the 2G and 3G iPhones, with more coming in for the 3G even as you’re reading this post. Just be sure to click on the device selector in the upper-left to chose which iPhone you’re currently rocking to ensure that you’re getting something compatible.

(p.s. we still have a bug for Safari users that’s preventing uploads, we’re working on it. But the iPhone-ified version of the forums should officially be bug free — if it ain’t hit us up at news@theiphoneblog.com to let us know. Update: Fixed!)