Gizmodo: Apology

Apple Admits MobileMe Snags, Gives Free 30-Day Extension

Kit Eaton — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:34:20 EDT

Apple's MobileMe service hit so many snags during its launch period that Apple have just issued an email apology to members. Saying "The transition from .Mac to MobileMe was a lot rockier than we had hoped," Apple's apologizing with a 30-day membership extension for free to anyone who was a .Mac member with an active account as of July 9, 2008 and new MobileMe members who created accounts on or before July 15, 7:00 PM PDT. Details can be found on the Apple support page here. The email also apologizes for the controversy over the speediness of "push" services, and says that Apple's not using the term until it really is "near-instant on PCs and Macs, too."

We have recently completed the transition from .Mac to MobileMe. Unfortunately, it was a lot rockier than we had hoped.

Although core services such as Mail, iDisk, Sync, Back to My Mac, and Gallery went relatively smoothly, the new MobileMe web applications had lots of problems initially. Fortunately we have worked through those problems and the web apps are now up and running.

Another snag we have run into is our use of the word "push" in describing everything under the MobileMe umbrella. While all email, contact or calendar changes on the iPhone and the web apps are immediately synced to and from the MobileMe "cloud," changes made on a PC or Mac take up to 15 minutes to sync with the cloud and your other devices. So even though things are indeed instantly pushed to and from your iPhone and the web apps today, we are going to stop using the word "push" until it is near-instant on PCs and Macs, too.

We want to apologize to our loyal customers and express our appreciation for their patience by giving all current subscribers an automatic 30-day extension to their MobileMe subscription free of charge. Your extension will be reflected in your account settings within the next few weeks.
We hope you enjoy your new suite of web applications at me.com, in addition to keeping your iPhone and iPod touch wirelessly in sync with these new web applications and your Mac or PC.

Thank you,
The MobileMe Team

[Apple]

Xbox 360 Bill Gates Edition (1 of 1 Limited Apology Run)

Haroon Malik — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EDT

A few weeks back, an unlucky Xbox owner shipped off his customized Bungie autographed console to Microsoft's repair center, and to his horrors they wiped it clean. Bungie resigned a console for him, but now, Microsoft is chiming in with a new console with Bill's signature on it and hundreds of dollars worth of new video games.

Since Nathan's Xbox was returned stark naked, his girlfriend left him, his pet dog didn't even recognize him and people on the street looked at him in disgust. (Probably.) Such was the change in Nathan's life, he could hardly bare waking up in the mornings. However, Microsoft saw this atrocity going on, and they sure fixed it:

Despite Bungie jumping (ha!) in and giving our man all of the following:

• Legendary Edition Helmet signed by most-if not all-of the studio staff
• Halo 3 Soundtrack (two disc) signed by Marty O'Donnell (with "DO NOT ERASE!" written under his name)
• Bungie Jacket
• Bungie T-Shirt
• Halo 3 Messenger Bag
• Two Halo 3 Limited Edition Wireless Controllers (one covenant, one human)
• Signed Halo 3 Faceplate and Skins for Xbox 360
• Four McFarlane Action Figures (MC, EVA Spartan, Brute Chieftan, Jackal Sniper)
• Halo Actionclix Preview pack (Target exclusive sticker on the front)
• Halo Actionclix Game Pack 4
• Halo 3 Wall Graffix
• Halo 3: Ghosts of Onyx Novel
• Halo Graphic Novel
• Halo 3 Wristband
• Halo 3 Hackeysack

M Nathan is, we presume, now back with his girlfriend, his dog loves him and people in the street can't wait to stop and chat with him. He's so cool, we want to be his friend. [Kotaku: 1, 2 and 3]

Microsoft Valentine's Day Zune Delayed; Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

Haroon Malik — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST

Those chaps at Microsoft promised a special edition Zune 80 for Valentine's Day, but the units have struck a delay and will not reach their destinations on time. That surely blows, but if your sweet was due to receive a Cupid red Zune 80, fret not. Microsoft is doing the right thing—they're refunding the cash, and shipping the Zunes for free regardless. Jump for the note they sent out to the lucky/unlucky customers.

We wanted to provide you with an update on your order status. Due to some issues in our fulfillment center there remains a chance we will miss getting your Zune to you by February 14th. We are working hard to get your order to you as quickly as possible and we currently plan to ship your Zune within the next 3-4 days. Once your order is in transit, we will send you a shipping confirmation with a link for tracking.
Our goal is to provide a smooth customer experience for ordering, customization, and delivery. We sincerely apologize for not meeting that goal in this specific case. We will be refunding the entire amount of your order, which you should be able to see on your credit/debit card within 7-10 days. We hope you love your Zune and that you will accept our sincere apology.

If you have additional questions, please call 1.877.GET.ZUNE. For fastest service, press 5 then press 1 and have your order information ready.

The Zune Originals Team

To everyone who has profited from this turn of events: go and buy her a proper present, you Zune-loving cheapskate. [Ars Technica]

Macenstein's January Mac Chick of the Month

Haroon Malik — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

We tricked you, and if you just clicked on that link the sore memory is probably even fresher than for those who knew better. We are very sorry, and to make it up to you, here's Elise Frappier stripped half-nekkid and posing with a Macbook. Who is Elise? Macenstein's Mac Chick of the Month, of course.

The 24-year old Canadian may look like she has nothing in common with you, but that stops at aesthetics. She loves Apple products, her dearest and most loved Apple possession is her Titanium G4, but she still twiddles her long locks, chews bubblegum and reminisces about the old skool SE/30 Macintosh her father owned. She may like the Pussycat Dolls to rock to, but we'll forgive her because she wears a black bra better than any of us ever could, (even if Eric claims otherwise.) [Macenstein]

Zune Insider Apologizes for 3AM Zune Stunt

Jason Chen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:25:39 EST

Remember that stunt last week where the Zunemobile blasted Timberlake at 3am in NY? Well, Cesar from Zune Insider drew the short straw and had to bring the Sorry Back.

On behalf of the Zune team at Microsoft, I'd like to issue an apology to the residents of Ludlow Street (between Stanton and Houston) for the loud noise at 3:00 AM last Sunday (24 Feb). For what it's worth, this was not a planned or Zune-sanctioned PR event, a stunt, or any intentional marketing activity. And we've taken steps to make sure this won't happen again. To those folks woken up by the sounds of the vehicle, we apologize.

Apology accepted (I don't live in NY). – Jason Chen

Sorry, New York [Zune Insider]

Image that doesn't really make sense stolen from Wonkette.

BenQ Apologizes for Pissing all over the WTC

Travis Hudson — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:29:54 EST

If you recall, BenQ recently ran an advertisement for their silly dog tag MP3 player featuring a guy standing in front of rubble from the World Trade Center bombing. Well, they have since took down the page and placed a apology letter in its place.

So, forgive them? Thanks, Reggie – Travis Hudson

BenQ MusicQ Site, Apology Letter