Companies like Apple and Google take pride in going beyond the usual big corporation-small consumer relationship -- the Mac company is currently participating in the "Hour of Code" campaign by holding free events at its stores -- but rarely does that involve discounts on products. In its "12 days of gifts" promotion (or "12 days after Christmas"; the event starts on Dec. 26), however, Apple will serve a free deal once per day, the Washington Post reported.
Beneficiaries will have to first download the "12 Days of Gifts" app, available today even though the promotion doesn't begin until the 26th. Gifts reveal themselves at midnight in every time zone and must be downloaded within 24 hours until the next night's treat, according to the Post. But what are the surprises?
Apple will offer free books, movies, songs, and apps from its App Store and iTunes. Make sure to read the rules, the Post cautioned; there are limits on the number of free movie rentals per day and certain movies are free to watch up to 30 days after download, but exist for just 24 hours once you begin viewing.
"12 Days of Gifts" was actually offered to foreign countries last year. This will be the first holiday season it comes to the U.S., though a similar promotion ran earlier this year in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Apple App store, according to ABC News. The company gave away one app valued at $19.99, among other freebies.
Apple is also offering free iPod engravings for purchases before Dec. 11, according to the Post. Be careful with this promotion: engravings detract from an iPod's value for re-sale attempts.
If a company as large and successful as Apple feels the need to stage promotions like this, perhaps that's a good sign for the consumer.
