Last week, I was invited to the launch of Apple iPhone 5 by SingTel. It was held at Marina Bay Sands. This is the first time that Telcos and retailers are selling the iPhone at the same time.
Customers were allocated appointment slot to purchase the iPhone 5. There were special VIP queue too.
The event starts at 8am on the 21st September. This is unlike previous launch when it was held just after midnight. I wonder why Apple wanted to do it this way.
Here is the first person in the queue, Ms Liu Ting Ting (age 20, student). She arrived on Thursday (20 Sep) night at 8:30pm. Although she had a confirmed appointment to purchase iPhone 5 on Friday morning, she chose to camp overnight in order to be the first to get the phone. Allen Lew (CEO Group Digital Life) and Yuen Kuan Moon (CEO Consumer Singapore) were on hand to present the phone to her.
I bet you cannot believe the number of photographers at the event. Here is a part of media group.
Here is a group shot of the first 10 customers with SingTel executives.
The sales started after that. For those who are curious how a NanoSIM looks like, check this out.
And here is the iPhone 5 package. The EarPods comes with the package.
The iPhone 5 (front).
The back.
And the lighting connector.
If you want see the comparison among the different iPhones, click the link below.
I think most people went to the accessories booth right after they took their iPhone 5. It was super crowded.
In order for you to enjoy the moement, SingTel had set up booth where you can have your photograph taken and printed out immediately. There a some items to “dress” you too.
Here is the end results (see the picture in the mock up phone).
There are also Trade-in booth and SIM Card backup booth. I think SingTel has done a good job to make everyone comfortable during the wait (at least at MBS).
Here is the Press Release from SingTel on deF!ND.
Singapore’s own personal assistant app enhanced
with powerful new features
SingTel deF!ND incorporates HungryGoWhere
Intelligent recommendations based on personal preferences
Singapore 21 September 2012 – Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) today unveiled a powerful new version of deF!ND, Singapore’s first mobile personal assistant app that integrates local information and enables bookings of services on the move.
The new version of the app now features a significantly expanded database of more than 100,000 reviews on more than 15,000 eateries from HungryGoWhere, Singapore’s leading food website. Users can quickly and easily browse through recommendations of highly-rated restaurants and hawkers nearest to their current location.
deF!ND is now able to make intelligent movie recommendations based on users’ personal preferences and display screening times at GV, Shaw and Cathay cinemas nearest to their current location. A virtual barometer predicts the user’s level of interest in all movies that are currently airing. The app conveniently allows users to select seats and charge ticket purchases to their credit cards.
With deF!ND, users can also book taxis, locate ATMs, medical clinics and other essential amenities, find the best shopping deals and get updates on local events. The app draws from SingTel’s popular inSing.com database of more than 170,000 business listings.
Mr Loo Cheng Chuan, Head of SingTel’s Local L!fe unit, said: “Since its launch in November last year, many mobile users have relied on deF!ND to find important information on-the-go and book services that are essential to their daily lives. The new deF!ND breaks new ground by being the first personal assistant of its kind to understand user preferences and make meaningful recommendations.”
Mr Loo said that SingTel spent a lot of effort to ensure that the app continued to grow and provide even better services for its users.
“Our recent acquisition of HungryGoWhere has significantly expanded our database and this allows us to offer an unrivalled one-stop food and beverage recommendation service to our customers,” he said.
deF!ND is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play store. It was developed in collaboration with app developer, Jinni Media. For more information, please visit http://defind.insing.com/.
Annex 1 – deF!ND search categories:
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ü Food and drink
ü Shopping and retail
ü Computers and electronics
ü Home and garden
ü Banking and finance
ü Business and professional services
ü Groceries and liquor
ü Sports and recreation
ü Medical and dental services
ü Government and organisations
ü Arts and entertainment
ü Pets
ü Real Estate and housing
ü Automotive and Motorcycles
ü Legal services
ü Travel and transportation
ü Education
ü Personal services
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ü ATM
ü Banks
ü Clinics
ü Minimarts
ü Car Repair and Services
ü Florist
ü Hospitals / Polyclinics
ü Laundry Service
ü Money Changer
ü Singapore Pools
ü Petrol Kiosk
ü Courier and Postal Services
ü Supermarket |
ü Men’s apparel and accessories
ü Ladies apparel and accessories
ü Beauty and Spa
ü Electronics and appliances
ü Children and infant wear
ü Home and garden
ü Restaurants |
ü Featured events
ü Performing arts
ü Fairs and festivals
ü Kids and family
ü Leisure and Sport
ü Night Out |