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Codebreaker

4S riots

Marketplace Staff Jan 13, 2012

This morning was supposed to be the first time the iPhone 4S went on sale in China. Folks lined up overnight, some in sub-freezing temperatures, to be the first kids on the block with the new phone. Unfortunately things got ugly. Around 5:00 a.m., outside the Apple Store in Beijing, people started jostling for position. Jostling led to fighting, which led to the cops being called. All this was too much for Apple, which decided to call off the sale at Chinese retail stores (still available online though). The company said it was concerned for the safety of its customers and employees. Well that did it. As evidenced by a begrudged customer carrying a bag of eggs, which were promptly hurled at the gleaming windows of the store. The crowds have been cleared. No word on whether egg-cicle vendors have moved in to try and capitalize on the situation.

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