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August 18, 2008

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MobileMe: another day, another free service extension

Posted Aug. 18, ’08, 7:01 PM PT by Scott McNulty
Category | Apple » News

MobileMessIt’s no secret that the MobileMe launch didn’t happen as smoothly as Apple, or subscribers, would have liked. The service has been plagued by downtime, lost emails, and under-delivering on promised features.

When you’re faced with such a mess, what do you do? Free iPods for everyone? Rides for all on Uncle Steve’s corporate jet? Sadly, no. But still, a free 60-day extension to most MobileMe users is nothing to sneeze at. According to an email MobileMe subscribers just received, Apple will be giving out activation keys good for 60 days of service to eligible customers.

To find out if you’re among the lucky ones to snag those sweet 60 free days, check out this Apple knowledge base article. If you’re the type that likes executive summaries, here are the salient points (though I question why you’re using MobileMe if you’re a high-powered executive):

  • All active MobileMe members as of August 19th, 2008 at midnight Pacific Daylight time are eligible.
  • If you are in a free trial period on that date, your free trial will be extended by 60 days (sweet!).
  • If your account is set to expire soon, worry not, because you’re getting the 60 days too (I feel like Oprah! “You’re getting 60 days free! And you’re getting 60 days free!”).
  • The 60 days also applies to any upgrades you might have on your MobileMe account (like extra storage).
  • This 60 days stacks with any other extension you might have on your MobileMe account (such as the thirty day bump you might have already gotten).
  • Apple will be giving out activation keys for this extension, so make sure to check the above article for more details in a few days (I imagine Apple will also email you, though if you use MobileMe that email might never be delivered. Zing!).

It looks like Apple hopes they can smooth over any hard feelings by giving people free stuff. Luckily, that’s a strategy that usually works.

What say you? Is this extension enough to keep you on MobileMe? Do you think Apple should give MobileMe users something else to make them happy? I hear people really like ponies.


4 Comments

TJ Draper Author Profile Page said:

Given the fact that other than the bumpy launch, I have had no issues and MobileMe has been PERFECT FOR ME, I would say that this is quite enough to keep me on MobileMe.

August 18, 2008 7:46 PM
ehren Author Profile Page said:

It has been a super nice touch. I use MobileMe mostly for backup, which has been pretty solid (knock on wood) and the sync and mail services are just nice bonuses, and knowing that I can put off renewing till April next year is a pretty good feeling :D

August 18, 2008 9:29 PM
Jared said:

Just like TJ, I have had no issues as well. So an extra free 60 days is awesome. Very happy with MobileMe.

August 19, 2008 4:06 AM
Anonymous said:

At least Apple gives a darn when their product fails. Can you imagine Microsoft caring enough about their customers to apologize for Vista's shortcomings and giving all its users free stuff because of it? I can't.

August 19, 2008 8:33 PM

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