Back on August 8th, we reported on iPhone superfan Robert Shoesmith, who started camping outside a London Apple Store for the iPhone 5 . Only thing is… Apple hadn’t confirmed the iPhone 5 existed.
Two months later, and Shoesmith is still perched outside the Covent Garden Apple Store , and an iPhone 5 announcement is (almost certainly) just hours away . He calls his wait the ‘iPhone 5 Experiment,’ and there’s even a blog documenting his wait.
While queuing for two months for an unconfirmed device might seem odd, Shoesmith has achieved his “marketing and PR experiment” by spending absolutely no money .
In return for free publicity, he’s received donations and sponsorship from dozens of companies including Cadburys, Skype, Mountain Dew, Domino’s Pizza, Innocent, Kleenex, Helly Hansen, Weight Watchers, and Gillette. In the not-too-distant future, he’s likely to be the first person in the UK with an iPhone 5.
The Inquisitr just spoke via phone to Shoesmith at his tent in Covent Garden. According to the intrepid camper, he’s preparing to watch today’s big announcement at the Covent Garden Apple Store – he reports Apple has set up huge screens and ominous black curtains in its windows.
Shoesmith also discussed what he’d like to see in the iPhone 5, saying the A5 processor, longer battery life, a better quality camera, and a bigger screen are all crucial.
He revealed the best donation he received has been over £1,000 worth of outdoor clothing and gear from Helly Hansen that’s perfect for London’s changeable summers. Some of the more bizarre gifts include a thong from Lovehoney (not totally SFW link) and sexual performance enhancers from Menhancer.
Finally, Rob says he’s rather peckish, and is on the lookout for a breakfast, preferably a bacon sandwich. Any cafés in the London area, here’s your chance for some free publicity!
