Apple iPhone 4S launches in Singapore (photos)
While SingTel did not have a public queue--buyers had to make appointments in advance--Amit Sawhney (in white) was first in line thanks to his patient employee Selvam (far right), who started queueing at the Suntec City Convention Hall 402 from 3pm.
Selvam apparently did this as a favor for his boss, who will be buying two sets of the iPhone 4S.
Photo & caption by Aloysius Low/CNET Asia
SingTel has booked the entire convention hall for three days, and expects to serve over 10,000 customers for all three days. Thousands more are expected to get units delivered to their home or office.
Photo & caption by Aloysius Low/CNET Asia
Allen Lew, SingTel's CEO, Yuen Kuan Moon, executive vice president for the digital consumer division and local DJ Glenn Ong on the stage watching the launch video of the iPhone 4S.
Photo & caption by Aloysius Low/CNET Asia
The first ten customers on stage for the obligatory thumbs-up pose.
Photo & caption by Aloysius Low/CNET Asia
Update (October 29, 1055 GMT+8): We've updated the article with more information from SingTel.
With Siri handling Asian accents poorly, SingTel will be launching an app called deF!ND that supposedly works better in Singapore. Note however that it is Singapore-centric and will be available on both Android and iOS platforms in the coming weeks. The app is also currently preloaded on Samsung Galaxy S II handsets sold by the carrier.
Details on whether it will work on phones running on a rival network are yet unknown. Our quick tests on the show floor proves that it works somewhat, but we couldn't test it further as the app got stuck on the landing page.
Photo & caption by Aloysius Low/CNET Asia
The first person in line at the M1 queue outside Paragon Shopping Center arrived at 8.30am. Representatives from the telco told us that an estimated crowd of close to 700 people were waiting in line for the iPhone 4S.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Starbucks provided free coffee samples to keep the mood of the waiting masses buoyant.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Rei and Team, a Singaporean band, kept the crowd entertained with covers of famous songs.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Percussion band Wicked Aura Batucada helped to drum up some excitement for M1's launch with their mix of reggae, funk and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Here you see the M1 staffers getting ready for the stroke of midnight. They will be working through the night until 5am to ensure that everyone in the queue receives their iPhone 4S.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Local DJs The Muttons interview the first person in line--student Melva Yip, 21. He was also first in line last year for the iPhone 4 launch. To secure his spot, Melva got his friend to start queuing at 8.30am. He only joined the line at 4.30pm after finishing class.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
A triumphant Melva holding up his iPhone 4S. His father came down at 11pm to sign the contract on his behalf.
Photo & caption by Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia
Carrier StarHub decided to keeps things small and private, with only invited customers allowed to purchase the new iPhone 4S. Customers who wish to buy an iPhone from the telco should head to its 35 retail outlets which will be open at 10am.
Photo & caption by Shawn Low/CNET Asia
First in line to get her iPhone 4S is IT Manager, Tonette Rosario (pictured on the right).
Photo & caption by Shawn Low/CNET Asia
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