Sent to you by Bill Boulware via Google Reader: Apple plots wireless
server hubs at Genius Bars for users to temporarily store, sync content
for iOS device replacements via 9to5Mac by Mark Gurman on 4/18/12
According to sources, Apple is planning a major new addition to their
Apple Store Genius Bars; an addition that will change the way the
company handles Genius Bar support. When an iOS device user comes to
the Genius Bar with advanced hardware issues that are deemed
unrepairable via software, these users commonly find Apple willing to
replace their device with a working unit.
With users typically keeping so much important content on their devices
like contacts, calendars, text message conversations, media data, apps,
application content, and more; the need for device backups is critical.
So critical that Apple warns users that they should backup their iPad,
iPhone, or iPod touch prior to the aforementioned iOS device Genius Bar
exchange process. However, many users find themselves in situations
where they are unable to backup their device prior to their Genius Bar
appointment. Whether the reason be time, location, or something else,
Apple is planning a solution for this issue.
Currently being prototyped inside of Apple's top-secret "future" Apple
Store labs near the company's headquarters, a place where peaks into
Apple's retail future have leaked from in the past, is a wireless
server system for Genius Bars that will automatically, securely, and
temporarily store user content.
The concept is best explained through an example…
This example is based on how Apple is currently testing these WiFi
hubs: A user brings in their iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to the Genius
Bar to be swapped for a fully working unit. The person didn't back up
their device. Now, instead of having to conduct an iCloud wireless
backup or go home for a tethered iTunes backup, the Genius Bar will
have the ability to mirror an iCloud backup, but onto a local store
server. After the device is swapped, the Genius can pull the content
right back from the server onto the new device. The content is then
automatically wiped from the store server.
Asked why this system is necessary with the availability of iCloud
backups and in-store-WiFi, a source explained, that in this case,
iCloud backups are not an efficient solution. Sure iCloud backups are
perfect for backing up each night, but for Genius Bars that need to
quickly move through the constant flow of customer visits, backups to
distant iCloud servers simply take too long. These in store, local
backups are said to take much less time than a normal, distant iCloud
backup. This planned system also has the added benefit of assisting
users without iCloud accounts.
The system is still in very early stages of testing, and many retail
projects inside of Apple's labs never see the light of day. However, if
this system is ever launched, Apple is planning to pilot the system in
select stores by mid-2013. A full scale launch, if Apple is content
with the system's performance and usage, should occur later that year.
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