2009 Aug 31 iPhones (finally) On the Way
After years of wrangling and false alarms, Apple has finally signed a three-year deal with China Unicom to start selling iPhones in China in the last quarter of this year.
Apple chose to go with the nation’s number two carrier for its efforts to build a 3G network, which is set for completion by the end of this year. According to some reports, however, iphones in China will be stripped of their Wi-Fi capabilities in order to "comply with government rules."
Analysts are already churning out projections of huge returns: Apple is projected to sell 37 million iPhones worldwide next year, and China is expected to account for 15 to 20 percent of those sales.
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Win a Brand New Pair of Shoes From D:FUSE!
This women's shoe brand, first founded by expats in Shanghai in 2007, is now up to 14 Beijing branches and counting. (For a list of all existing store locations, click here.) According to their website, D:FUSE "strives to bring the latest Scandinavian urban trends to the fashion forward Chinese consumer."
It just so happens that their trend-conscious footwear appeals to us expats as well. And now, one lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of free shoes! Whether sandals or pumps, their designs typically range from RMB 600-1,500, with most of them priced at around the RMB 700-800 mark. You can check out some of D:FUSE's latest styles below, or peruse the full collections here.
The rules? With the exception of the higher-priced Desire line, you can choose whatever pair meets your fancy (though do note that their largest size available is 39).
Win a Free OSPOP Bag From Plastered T-shirts!
By now you’ve likely heard that Plastered T-shirts has opened a second Beijing branch in 798 Art District. (If not, catch up on all the details here.) Now we have even more photos of the store interior which, according to their blog, was designed by founder Dominic Johnson-Hill himself.
The Ship Has Sailed: Bon Voyage to ShopWeShip.com
Expats who rely on the material comforts of home may be disheartened to hear that ShopWeShip.com, previously known as Dong-Xi.com, has just announced that it will soon be discontinuing its services.
ShopWeShip.com was first established to give Chinese residents access to e-commerce sites that only shipped to US billing addresses. Back then, our options were few – we could hardly find quality Western food around town, let alone chic clothes from mid- to high-end retailers.
798 Gets Plastered
Plastered T-shirts, a Beijing-based brand which has carved much of its identity around Nanluogu Xiang, is now expanding its creative reach. If all goes according to plan, their new shop – their second in Beijing – will open tomorrow in 798 Art District, right across from the UCCA.
Shirtless David Beckham Sizzles in New H&M Ads
With Versace for H&M fresh on everyone’s minds, the Swedish fast-fashion retailer has announced the pending release of two more designer collaborations in the next couple months. And we have the exclusive (including prices, photos and details) below.
croozn
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
No WiFi...and also no iTunes.
Ridiculous.
admin
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
no itunes?
wht not?
Follow thebeijinger on weibo! http://weibo.com/tbjmagazine
Jerry
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
Perhaps for the same reason itunes has been intermittently unavailable in China - 'sensitive' album releases, politically-themed podcasts and the like ...
Jerry Chan, Editorial Director
admin
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
i can use itunes on my ipod, no problem
(though i can't download This American Life
)
Follow thebeijinger on weibo! http://weibo.com/tbjmagazine
stavrogin
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
No wifi
no itunes,
no point.
Why get this thing if the Chinese govt is going to strip it of the technology it is made to use.
One word, Stupid.
Shame on you Apple. It goes to show not only Microsoft will prostitute itself for money.
stavrogin
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
I agree. Sucks that they are so inclined to even monitor itunes which very very few Chinese actually use.
ajjarrett
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
This move by Apple will only encourage more consumers to go with the unlocked phone which are brought in from other places. Thank god for a "free" market. Shame on your Apple for doing harm, just like google, Micro$oft and Nike!
Let's hope someone or many people flood the market with more unlocked phones in the mainland.
Reese
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
I would be real surprised if they allowed the wifi on the iphone. Google and Facebook are banned and I believe twitter as well. I'm going there soon so I had to find all of this stuff out. casino
stavrogin
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
I think everyone writing here are already here. We are quite clear what the situation is.
It is a mistake to say google is banned. Not sure where you are getting your info.
Jerry
Re: iPhones (finally) On the Way
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125412684524545851.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sect...
China Unicom iPhone Sales to Start in October
BEIJING -- China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd. said Monday it will begin offering Apple Inc.'s iPhone in China in October at a retail price of around 5,000 yuan ($732).
China Unicom in August signed a three-year deal with Apple to sell iPhones in China.
Unicom, China's second-largest wireless operator by users after China Mobile Ltd., will offer a choice of eight different service packages with the phone, ranging from 126 yuan to 886 yuan per month.
The rollout of the iPhone coincides with the official launch of China Unicom's third-generation wireless network on Oct. 1. The iPhone will be sold in Apple retail outlets, through China Unicom's own network of stores, and through major independent retailers, Unicom's statement said. Unicom is also developing an online application store based on Apple's model.
Jerry Chan, Editorial Director