After the slightly underwhelming iPad launch in spring, many thought that the Apple queuing phenomenon was over. However, last night hundreds of people decided that the iPhone 5 was worth waiting for, and took to the streets.
According to one Apple employee who has been with the company since the launch of the first iPhone, the queue for the flagship store on Regent Street was the longest he has ever seen.
The queue was huge. Even at 9:30 AM, it was predicted that those waiting just around the corner from the store on Hanover Street would have to wait another five hours. Some of them had been queuing since midnight.
This time round, Apple decided to take over Hanover Square, with the queue circling it before coming out on Brook Street. The neighbourhood was full of tired-looking Apple staff dressed in blue, ushering people into metal enclosures and giving out gift cards – Apple’s “golden tickets”. The trade in tickets was rife, but getting caught might get you removed from the queue altogether.
Most of the people queuing in the square had spent the night there. Despite waiting for hours, the crowds were excited, and the whole event was reminiscent of a music festival, complete with cold coffee and portaloos.
The new eight megapixel camera can capture 1080p high-definition video and take photos at the same time, while the upgraded 720p front facing camera will improve FaceTime conversations.
The new smartphone doesn’t have NFC support, and it has lost its native YouTube and Google Maps applications. Instead, Apple engineers have come up with their own navigation software, which so far has failed to impress.
An unlocked 16 GB version of the iPhone 5 costs £529.00 and the wait time for delivery is currently around four weeks. A 32 GB model will set you back £599.00, while the 64 GB model carries a hefty price tag of £699.00.
If you look for less expensive alternatives, consider Goophone i5. Its Chinese manufacturer has actually threatened to sue Apple, saying that it has already patented this design. Oh, and it runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
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New flash - The RNLI Thames rescue craft has successfully pulled a number of new and excited iPhone 5 user from the river after they tried to navigate with the new iPhone 5 maps.
An RNLI spokesman stated - Again our crews successfully saved people from their own folly. When using an iPad 5 for navigation users should always wear a type approved lifejacket and protective gear at all times.
An Apple spokesperson commented that the is not a problem with the iPhone maps but the incorrect positioning of the river by God or some other deity. We created the river shape and other map features to give our customers a better experience. If the river or other places are moved to agree with our unique maps then we will expect fair compensation for our creative works.
Some people are very, very sad indeed. I think counselling should have been offered free by Apple to all those standing in the queue.
Especially as they won't be able to find their way home once the open the maps up...