I can’t wait to get an Apple TV to go with my free iPhone. In case you haven’t heard, Apple TV is the latest gadget from the company that is available now. Walt Mossberg of the WSJ has been reviewing one for about 10 days and loves it. Is he on Apple’s payroll or what? According to Mossberg, the Apple TV runs a variant of OSX, Apple’s operating system found on its desktop and notebook computers. If you’re like me and have music, photos, TV shows and movies from the iTunes music store trapped on your computer(s) then Apple TV is just the thing you need for your spanking new widescreen TV.

Erin and I have to jump hoops and squint at our notebooks when either of us wants to watch the latest episode of LOST or The Office. The Apple TV device would allow us to grab this content off our MacBook and iBook and watch it on the living room TV. Apple TV also allows you to browse photos, share music and even download movie trailers from the comfort of your couch. Up to 5 computers can be connected to the Apple TV wirelessly and, like the iPod, is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, or Mac. One accessory I would definitely buy for this is Apple’s new Airport Extreme wireless router. This baby allows an external hard drive to be connected to act as a wireless storage device for your digital life. When you have 5000 songs and 6000 pictures, the local hard drive tends to get a little cramped. Now I just need to get that widescreen TV, damn…

Here’s an evil plan… Tubes is a file sharing software program (WinXP, Vista Only) that is pretty slick for sharing all your digital stuff with your friends. Tubes is desparate to get the word out about their new product and they don’t want to blow money on advertising that doesn’t convert new users. They have setup a contest for their beta-testers (me included) to give away an iPhone, yes you read correctly, to any and all who sign up 50 new users. It’s free, it’s easy it’s fun!

1) Download and install Tubes. It’s free.
2) Create a tube and drag and drop any digital content you want to
share - photos, videos, music…etc. into this tube.
3) Invite as many friends as you have to this tube (or any other tube
you create)
4) If you get at least 50 people to accept your invitation and
download and install Tubes you get an iPhone.

Yes, you heard us correctly! Just 50 acceptances will get you the
iPhone. That’s it, no gimmicks.

The contest will end at Midnight March 30th so good luck!

Happy Tubing,

The Tubes Team

So here’s my evil plan…

• Leave a comment on this blog.
• Make sure to fill in your email address so I can invite you. Don’t worry I won’t publish/share/sell it.
• Await invitation from me to download and install tubes. I have shared an example of my own Tube.
• Help me win an iphone :)
• Get a free linkback from my blog to yours as a reward. I’ll write a post with the urls of all those who helped once I hit 50!

Leave your comment and help a poor graduate student get a sweet iPhone!

Thanks!

I spend a good deal of time on flickr, but wow, someone has loads of time on their hands! Flickr user el frijole has taken the time to break down the iPhone ad shown during the Oscars Sunday night frame by frame in order to identify from which movies or TV shows each character hails. It’s fun to look through the slideshow and relive some great moments from the big and small screen. The Dude from The Big Lebowski is my favorite. Can I get a White Russian please?

If you haven’t watched the ad yet, it’s brilliant marketing that perpetuates the “must-have” brand of the iPod.

While Al Gore was busy preparing his acceptance speech, Apple aired this commercial last night during the Oscars. Watch the video and come back, please?.

Do I still have your attention or were you completely distracted like I was for a few moments? What a great teaser! I’m so in love with this phone. First unveiled this year at Macworld Expo in January, the iPhone has left me and about a million other gadget geeks salivating ever since. Apple’s marketing machine has done it again with a clever, memorable commercial that, like any good movie trailer, captures your attention, plays on your emotions and fills you with anticipation for the release date.

The iPhone, which is about the same dimensions as a full size iPod, features an innovative touch-sensitive screen that fills the entire surface. There is only one physical button on the device, all other input comes by way of touching the icons on the screen. This interface allows for endless possiblities such as a full-blown web browser, contacts, organizer, music, games and movies. Speaking of movies, the other killer feature is the ability to rotate the phone 90 degrees and watch movies or music videos in widescreen format, how cool is that? The phone contains a sensor that is smart enough to detect the orientation and automatically switch to widescreen or normal modes. In wide-mode, album art will appear as covers on a CD rack, just as in the latest version of iTunes. Two models of the phone will be released; a 4 GB capacity model for $499 USD and a 5 GB capacity model for $599 USD. These prices will also require a 2 year contract with AT&T Wireless (formerly Cingular). It remains to be seen what the prices and contract terms will be elsewhere.

The iPhone is due to be released this June in the US and 4th quarter 2007 for most of the rest of the world. Damn, I don’t think I can wait until the fall. Who do you think the provider will be in Ireland/UK: O2? 3? Vodafone? My guess is O2 since their stores already feature several Apple products.

Now that the other billion people watching the Oscars know about the iPhone, you had better hold off upgrading your mobile phone plan and get in the queue behind me for one.

On a related note, check out my favorite track on the soundtrack from the Oscar winning film, Little Miss Sunshine.

Chicago - Sufjan Stevens - Little Miss Sunshine