CultCast #281 - Introducing Apple Store 2.0

The CultCast

This week:

• Apple stores are about to get a massive 2.0 overhaul, and we’ve got all the details
• Why the iPhone 8 may launch super late with no OLED
• Final Cut Pro X hits a massive milestone
• Google co-founder makes a flying car, and you’re gonna want one!
• We reveal our favorite new gadgets in an all new Under Review 🕺

This episode supported by Blue Apron makes it easy to cook delicious meals at home. See their upcoming menu and get your first three meals free at BlueApron.com/CultCast. CultCloth will keep your iPhone 7, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time you can use code CULTCAST to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co. We also want to give Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com a thanks for the great music you hear on today's show. On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney SVP of retail Angela Ahrendts reveals redesigned Apple stores https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHlfEeng17A&t=184s 2017’s ‘iPhone Edition’ to arrive late, OLED display uncertain http://www.cultofmac.com/471109/2017s-iphone-edition-launch-late-oled-display-not-sure-thing/

• Apple analyst KGI Ming-Chi Kuo is reporting that mass production of the OLED iPhone will likely be pushed back to October/November, instead of the normal August/September timeframe because suppliers are having difficulties producing several of the phone’s cutting edge custom-ordered parts.
• The moderately reliable Makotakara is reporting that device is also claiming the phone will be delayed, and that the OLED upgrade we’ve been looking forward to isn’t a sure thing yet.

Final Cut Pro X hits massive 2 million users milestone http://www.cultofmac.com/478369/final-cut-pro-x-hits-massive-2-million-users-milestone/

• At this week’s annual National Association of Broadcasters conference, Apple revealed that it now has 2 million users of its Final Cut Pro X video-editing software, five years after launching the tenth version of the program.
• At $299 for a license, that’s a cool 600 million dollars.
• Apple’s rep added that it is taken considerably less time for Apple to jump for 1 million to 2 million users than it did for the company to reach its first million adopters.

Here’s how Apple plans to make its stores more magical http://www.cultofmac.com/478219/angela-ahrendts-talks-making-apple-store-experience-special/

• Angela Ahrendts was hired as Apple’s VP of retail just about 3.5 years ago, and she’s now unveiling her vision for the future of the Apple store.
• Apple wants to make their stores to be a place where you can engage with your devices and your communities. A place to meet your friends, like at Starbucks! says VP of Retail Angela Ahrendts.
• Apple is bringing new “hands on” sessions to its stores, enlisting artists, Mac experts and celebrities in a bid to make its retail outlets more engaging.
• The new Today at Apple initiative will launch next month in Apple stores everywhere. The initiative includes free hands-on sessions that will span more than 60 sessions in creative skills, including photography, coding and music creation. Classes will range from basic “how to” lessons to professional-level programs.
• "Amazon’s investing in stores, Google’s investing in stores. Starbucks has figured it out. You know, be a gathering place. Meet me at Starbucks. And I’ve told the teams, I’ll know we’ve done a really really great job if the next generation, if gen Z says, meet me at Apple. Did you see what’s going on at Apple today?”

Google co-founder’s flying car gets internet debut http://www.cultofmac.com/478117/google-co-founders-flying-car-gets-internet-debut/

• Forget self-driving cars. A startup backed by Google co-founder Larry Page is aiming to reshape transportation by giving us flying cars, and the company finally gave the internet a teaser today.
• Kitty Hawk posted the first video of its all-electric aircraft today. The vehicle is only designed to fly over water, but the company says you won’t even need a pilot’s license to fly it.
• The Kitty Hawk Flyer will supposedly go on sale by the end of 2017. Pricing details won’t be revealed until later in the year, but you can get in line to purchase one by signing up for a three-year Kitty Hawk membership for $100.
• Members also get a $2,000 discount on the Flyer as well as some exclusive access to a flight simulator. We’re assuming that’s so you don’t wreck it on your first flight.