ANCHOR:
Over a dozen Japanese queued anxiously in front of the Apple store in Tokyo today ahead of the Japan launch of Apple's new iPhone
this Friday. They want to be first to buy the new phones and are prepared to wait for days.
STORY:
The long-anticipated 3G iPhone has faster Web links than its Predecessor. It supports third-party applications such as games and email and will debut in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand on Friday as part of the global launch in 22 countries.
Despite the rain many were just enjoying the moment, unphased by the long wait.
[Koichi Funyu, Student]:
"I'll probably read and enjoy drinks to kill time for the next few days."
For many tech-savvy young Japanese, the new generation of iPhone is something they just can't miss.
Tetsuya Ueda arrived before midnight yesterday to purchase the latest gadget.
[Tetsuya Ueda, Customer]:
"I can look at Youtube and Safari with the mobile browser, that's the most attractive feature."
By releasing its popular iPhone in Japan, Apple Inc. will enter one of the world's most advanced mobile phone markets.
But despite the hype, analysts say Japan's 108 million mobile subscribers are already frequent users of Web browsing and email on 3G
networks and might not be easily wowed by the iPhone.
Japan Anticipates New iPhones
ANCHOR:
Over a dozen Japanese queued anxiously in front of the Apple store in Tokyo today ahead of the Japan launch of Apple's new iPhone
this Friday. They want to be first to buy the new phones and are prepared to wait for days.