by Playfuls Staff |
13th October 2006
The new version of iPod nano, part of “Producted Red Special Edition” was announced as expected by Bono and Oprah, during the taping of Wednesday’s Oprah Winfrey show. $10 will[more] be given to the organization for each sold iPod nano.
"So, wow, this is the Magnificent Mile," the U2 front man marveled to Winfrey as they walked together in a freakish October snow, each clutching packed shopping bags.
"Here we come, walking down the street, get the funniest looks from . . ." Bono sang, doing a Monkees impersonation.
"We're ecstatic that Apple is giving their customers the choice to buy a red iPod nano and help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa," said Bono, co-founder of RED, in a prepared statement. "It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years."
According to a post on Winfrey’s website, Penelope Cruz and Kanye West will be on hand during the show for the launch as well.
"I think everyone should get involved," West said. "It's important to everybody personally because AIDS is killing the world."
"I'm very happy to be here for that because I think that's something that's going to help in a tremendous way," Cruz said Wednesday afternoon at her Chicago hotel.
The new model is available as a 4 GB model only and is priced the same as other 4 GB nano models, $199. Apple is also offering a silver version of the 2 GB nano for $150 and a black 8 GB model for $250. The product is available in some stores already and it ships immediately from the Apple Store online.
“The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, with the support of the world’s leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world’s most devastating diseases and to direct those resources to areas of greatest need by supporting locally-driven strategies. To date, the Global Fund has committed $5.2 billion (US) to more than 363 programs in 131 countries,” an Apple press release said.
Motorola also began selling red-colored cell phones in the US in order to raise money for Bono’s campaign.
"Motorola is thrilled to bring U.S. Cellular into our partnership with (RED) and the Global Fund," said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola Mobile Devices. "Together, we are offering consumers the opportunity to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and create real change in the world."
Other red-colored Motorola cell phones were sold in United Kingdom earlier this year for the same cause.
"There are a lot of if's, a lot of factors, but over time, billions of dollars could be raised [by the phone]," said Leslie Dance, corporate vice president of global marketing at Moto, who toured Rwanda AIDS clinics with Bono earlier this year.
