May 1 - 10:30am EDT   Active construction has begun at the site of the Rue Halévy Apple Store in Paris, a MacNN source informs. The location is across from the Garnier operahouse, and may be strategically situated in the middle of high tourist traffic with the added benefit of wealthy locals. Like many buildings in the neighborhood, the one containing the Apple Store has historical value. [full story]

April 28 - 2:55pm EDT   Progress is so far slow or non-existent on Apple's Parisian retail store near the Louvre, photos supplied by a MacNN source suggest. The photos, taken on April 24th, show an essentially empty space, without any evidence of the forthcoming occupation by Apple. The site also appears to lack any sign of active construction, though surfaces are clean and possibly ready for tiles and paneling. [full story]

January 14 - 3:50pm EST   In spite of word from Apple, the Carrousel du Louvre Apple Store may not be the first in France, an anonymous source claims. The source suggests that Apple will instead launch its first store on Paris' Rue Halévy, located immediately next to the famous Garnier operahouse. The location could be extremely beneficial to Apple, as it is a high-traffic area frequented by tourists and Paris' richer inhabitants. [full story]

July 4 - 3:05pm EDT   Apple Expo '08 – Europe's major Apple conference, akin to Macworld in the US – is set to occur from September 17th to the 20th in Paris, France, and the organization has detailed several of the planned events. The Unofficial Apple Weblog details that the conference will see two iPhone events among the 30 other currently planned occasions. Access to the event is currently free, but will cost €12 without a pre-registered access badge. [full story]

June 3 - 11:10am EDT   Apple is confirming rumors that it will not attempt September's Apple Expo in Paris, a French publication reports. Anonymous sources noted yesterday that Apple's normal floor space at the event, generally reserved months in advance, has remained nowhere to be seen in plans for 2008. An Apple representative now says that the company has officially withdrawn from the Expo, as part of a deliberate, long-term strategy. [full story]

June 3 - 9:45am EDT   Apple has announced that its third store in Houston, Texas will open this Saturday, June 7th. The shop (not pictured) is located within the Willowbrook Mall, near Dillards and JC Penney, and on opening day will be open from 10AM to 9PM. Sunday hours are 11AM to 7PM, and weekday hours are a consistent 10AM to 9PM. As with other Apple Stores, people will have access to services like the Genius Bar, personal training, and personal shopping appointments; no workshops, however, are scheduled within the first three days of the store's opening. [full story]

May 29 - 12:50pm EDT   Sony Ericsson is planning a signifcant new phone launch for next month, says a Dutch announcement. Though short on details, the announcement image points to an "exclusive preview" of new Sony Ericsson phones and accessories at an Amsterdam gathering. No official clues are provided as to the nature of the devices other than a teaser slogan about "reaching new heights." [full story]