14 DAY TRIAL // After disappearing without notice from the mothership, Apple’s “startpage” URL is again functional. Absent for months, apple.com/startpage shows no visible changes and seems to be completely up to date.
Apple’s start page is the default URL in Safari when users first fire up the web browser on a new Mac. The Cupertino company considers this to be the starting place for everything customers need to know about the company – new products, new developments, recent activity on social networks, ads, gift guides, and more.
The most recent additions to the page are the TV ads for Apple’s new iPad mini, MacBook Pro with Retina display, and iPhone 5. An official introductory video for the iPhone 5 is also posted, followed by the latest Apple keynote featuring Tim Cook & Co.
Visitors of the start page also get shortcuts to the Mac maker’s 2012 Holiday Gift Guide, the latest iTunes Movie trailers, the newest additions on iTunes, and the latest activity on Twitter and Facebook.
Right smack in the middle users will find the hottest Apple headlines, the latest of which involve “Innovative Education in China with Mac,” NFL Playbooks, Apple’s multi-million iPad sales, the company’s Q4-2012 financial results, and more.
As before, the top of the page is divided into four big categories featuring the latest products from the Cupertino mammoth – iPad mini, the new iMac, the fifth-gen iPod touch – as well as an ad for iPhoto print products.
The Apple start page is not localized for any specific territory, though it does feature the country (flag) button at the very bottom, much like on the Apple Online Store, or on iTunes.
Clicking on that button directs visitors to the main Apple.com page in their respective territory.
Readers can check out the reinstated Apple start page right here.