Monologist Mike Daisey has drawn attention to the horrendous labor practices in China that are exploited by Apple and other electronics corporations since he first performed his one-man show, The Agony and the Ecstacy of Steve Jobs, in 2010. Recently, the New York Times has released a series of reports detailing the brutal nature of the Chinese "iEconomy," much of which overlapped with Daisey's show. A Romanesko reader wonders what Daisey thinks of the pieces, and he responded. "I’m absolutely thrilled that the NYT is doing this reporting. It’s what I’ve been hoping for—that journalists would dig in and pull this story out by its roots." more ›

Today, the NY Times has an op-ed by award-winning writer Mona Simpso remembering her brother Steve Jobs. Jobs, who died earlier this month, was born two years before Simpson but their parents put him up for adoption; she was an adult when she found out who her brother was: more ›

Wall Street Occupiers weren't the only ones staying up last night—Apple fans across the city were up in the rain, too, excitedly counting down the minutes until the official release of the new iPhone 4S at 8 a.m. this morning. more ›

Apple announced that Steve Jobs, one of its co-founders and the man most closely associated with its innovative products, died today at age 56. On its website, Apple says, "Steve Jobs, Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and as inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple." more ›

If there was any doubt that Apple's neurotic proclivity for secrecy is absolute, the company is suing tiny stores in Queens' Chinatown for trademark infringement. Reuters reports that Apple Story Inc, and Fun Zone "along with an undisclosed number of unnamed businesses and 50 'John Does'" were charged in the complaint. In typical Apple fashion, "documents in the case have been sealed," and the judge in the case allowed pertinent evidence to be seized from the stores that mainly sell iPad and iPhone accessories. No word on whether Apple will change their logo to a clenched, black-gloved fist. more ›

Is Apple planning to launch a new product? Yes, of course. They always are. But are they planning to launch a new product later this month? Most likely; they do have a history of launching products in January just after CES so as to make all the other tech companies look slow. So we buy AppleInsider's report that Apple's store employees are being told not to take vacations during the last week of January and the first two weeks of February. But what product or products will be keeping those poor employees away from their loved ones? The media guessing-game is exactly what Steve Jobs loves. more ›

The folks behind the infamous CGI recreation of Tiger Woods' fight with wife Elin Nordegren that resulted in his car crash have been pumping out some other instant classics, like Justin Bieber vs. the Internet and the Jay Leno-Conan O'Brien debacle. Now Next Media has released its telling of Apple's iPhone 4 controversy, complete with cameo from Bill Gates, a shout-out to Gizmodo's Jason Chen, images of suicidal Foxconn employees and Steve Jobs at his press conference. more ›

Apple CEO Steve Jobs addressed the media about iPhone 4-related reception problems, saying, "This has been blown so out of proportion that it is incredible." Naturally, he made the problems relate to entire smartphone industry, saying that all "smartphones have weaknesses, and AppleCare data shows only 0.55% have called in about reception issues." Still, Apple will allow iPhone customers to return the phone for a full refund within 30 days or offer a free bumper or case to consumers to keep them until September 30 (those who purchased them will get a refund). more ›

Senator Chuck Schumer has stepped into the iPhone 4 reception issue—the one that led to Consumer Reports saying it could not recommend the highly coveted product—fray with an open letter to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The Williamsburg waterfront concert-loving senior Senator wrote, "I ask that Apple provide iPhone 4 customers with a clearly written explanation of the cause of the reception problem and make a public commitment to remedy it free-of-charge. The solutions offered to date by Apple for dealing with the so-called 'death grip' malfunction—such as holding the device differently, or buying a cover for it—seem to be insufficient. These proposed solutions would unfairly place the burden on consumers for resolving a problem they were not aware of when they purchased their phones." more ›

In case you missed the scandalous spoiler alert in April, then today you are first hearing of the new iPhone from Apple. CNET (and everyone else on the internet) liveblogged Steve Jobs's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote speech earlier should you want every little detail, but here's the rundown. more ›

After weeks of speculation, rumor and innuendo, Steve Jobs introduced the newest product in the Apple line this afternoon: the iPad. The new tablet-like hand held portable device was designed to bridge the gap between a laptop and smartphone. “That’s a tall order — better than a laptop at browsing the web? Enjoying and sharing photos, videos, enjoying music, playing games, reading e-books,” said Steve Jobs at the unveiling. The anorexically thin notepad has a large touch screen that is manipulated with your fingers. Engadget and gdgt live are liveblogging the gadget's debut. This thing better be a hit, because Jobs stayed up all night building it!
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Last week we all learned the new Apple store would be opening in the Meatpacking District just in time for a holiday spending spree. Since then, eager Mac fans have been stalking the place at night -- trying to get a glimpse into the shiny new tech haven. Today we went inside for a sneak peak at what has to be the nicest of the three Manhattan stores so far. Upon entering you'll be greeted... more ›

Showing that there are no bounds to lawsuit insanity, a Queens resident is suing Apple for marking down the price of the iPhone - and she wants $1 million. Why? Because now she can't sell them for a profit on eBay! Damn you, Steve Jobs, and your possibly faltering precious product! more ›

There was very little else for Londonist to be concerned with when the threat of a Tube strike became a very unpleasant reality. The inconvenience was extreme: there aren't many alternatives to the Tube in London despite the best efforts of the Londonist team to get everyone from A to B. Brighter news came in the form of the first ever female Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater as the position is more commonly known, and several smiles as well as lots of cash were raised by some plucky urban ironing. London is apparently full of lies and whales: one of these things is true. We leave that up to you to figure out. more ›

Londonist are starting to think their city is getting just a little bit too expensive, when even Christian Slater can't afford to go out there. And there's no escaping, as local singer Lily Allen discovered when she was barred entry to the US. The British mapping agency caused further bad karma, by blocking a 3-D representation of London in Google Earth. But the smiles returned to Londonist's faces as they interviewed Baroness von Reichardt, who has completely covered her house in mosaic tiles. more ›

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Rocktavist Bono is battling a very local, personal cause...over fireplaces in his Manhattan apartment building (the San Remo). Apparently the smoke from other residents' fireplaces is ending up in his penthouse duplex, which he shares with his family (a wife and four children). more ›

We imagine Steve Jobs knows about this: The NYPD is offering to etch an ID number on your iPod so it'll be easier for you to get it back if (God forbid!) it gets lost or stolen. The Daily New reports that NYPD has registered 2100 units so far, with NYPD Transit Bureau crime prevention commanding officer Sergeant William Buckley explaining:

Overall crime is down in the subways, but for iPods and cell phones, unfortunately it's up. more ›

Two of the biggest brands in the world came together today in New York to announce a partnership for a new product. Nike and Apple - who wasn't content just with opening a store on 5th Avenue - announced the Nike+iPod - a wireless system that can track your running progress and allow you to choose a "PowerSong" to pump you up when you hit a wall. The sensor fits into a special compartment under the insole and a receiver attaches to the iPod (which only works for the Nano). With the sensor, a voice can tell you what your progress is through the headphones with the touch of a button. Nike is rolling out several new Nike+ shoes in the fall, with the Air Zoom Moire as the first in the Nike+ line. There's also a pretty spiffy Nike+ website where you can track your run history and set up competitions with your friends. The Nike+iPod sports kit has a retail price of $29 and will be in stores in 60 days. more ›

Did SNL's Bill Hader get some free gear? more ›

Well, the big day has come and gone, but not without leaving us with some impressive stats (feel free to help us out in the comments with better stats and info!): more ›