Apple retail getting updated iPad apps, about to deploy OS X Lion(?!)

Looks like Apple retail is getting new setups, including new iPad apps for their iPads, bringing their complement to Daily Download, RetailMe, Apple Connect, Apple Directory, Concierge, Mobile Genius, iRepair, and Easy Pay (the credit card processing app currently used on iPod touch).

Daily Download, which is a well-produced internal Daily 'newspaper for employees'. It is incredibly stylish and functional and and much better than the previous web-based version that existed before.

It's also being rumored that stores are getting sent install images for OS X Lion, which sounds crazy because 10.7 is still in beta -- currently preview 3, and not expected for release until later this year. (Perhaps following some new features announced at WWDC 2011 next month.)

Apple seems to be lining things up for that big Apple Store 2.0 re-launch we keep hearing about. Are you going to check out your local store come Sunday to see what all the fuss was about?

[9to5Mac]

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.