Apple today announced the iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition
. (RED) was created by U2 lead singer, Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world’s most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. A portion of the profits from these products goes directly to the Global Fund to fund programs for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition
comes in a beautiful red aluminum enclosure and features 24 hours of battery life, Apple’s innovative Click Wheel and an incredibly thin and light design. Apple will contribute $10 from the sale of each iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition
to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. Apple will also offer a $25 iTunes (PRODUCT) RED gift card available for purchase at Apple’s retail and online stores next month.
“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 the press release. “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.”
“Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO in the press release. “We’re honored to work with Bono, (RED) and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa.”
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. For more information about (RED) please visit http://www.joinred.com
The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition is available worldwide in a 4GB model for US$199. All iPod nano models include redesigned earbud headphones providing superior comfort, fit and sound quality, and a USB 2.0 cable. The second generation iPod nano features up to 24 hours of battery life and completely skip-free playback. The iTunes (PRODUCT) RED gift card will be available through Apple’s retail stores and the Apple Store next month for $25 (US).
iPod nano requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 7.0 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) and iTunes 7.0 or later. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.
See Apple’s new iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition here.
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Apple Store Fifth Avenue logo goes ‘red’ – October 13, 2006
Steve Jobs, Bono confirm ‘Product Red’ Apple iPod nano, iTunes ‘Red’ gift card – October 12, 2006
Oprah and Bono to unveil Product Red iPod nano tomorrow [UPDATED] – October 12, 2006
Red Apple iPod, new MacBook to debut next Tuesday? – May 12, 2006
Red Apple iPod coming soon? – January 27, 2006
I’d buy this red nano just because it looks good. It’ll make a great Christmas or Valentine’s Day present.
7over,
Women and obviously children, have little power as societies, particularly developing and 3rd world ones are very strongly patriarchal, hence the emphesis on women and children.
Lostek,
You’ll find most of the corrupt and/or despotic regimes in Africa (or anywhere in the world for that matter) didn’t come to power by accident but by actions of Western Governments and particularly, although not exclusively, the US Government. Although not in Africa, Chile is a perfect example, the other September 11.
So yes, we definitely should feel guitly about what our governments have been up to in the world because by association, indifference or inaction we all have blood on our hands.
I’d like to see a (product) RED Macbook. Red’s not my colour, but I’m sure it’d sell like hotcakes.
That’s great to see Steve Jobs donating for a worthy cause… but it also gives great exposure. I doubt you’ll find Bill Gates’ numerous millions in PERSONAL donations are so flashy. Let’s face it. A Red Ipod, the hottest mp3 player on the market gets people’s attention. It’s a fantastically intelligent business decision. If Apple just decided to give a lump sum based on how many green ipods they’ve sold, it wouldn’t recognize in people’s conscious. this way, people can feel good and feel that they’ve personally helped, and they can think Apple is so nice.
I know this sounds negative. I’m in no ways maligning this. But it is a very sound business decision, and in the end, Apple really isn’t making much of a sacrifice, when they team up with some of the most famous people. These people are in the public eye, and that’s what Apple needs, to get an edge on companies like Microsoft. Just my $0.02
7over: I thought the same thing when I read the “women and children” thing… But I’m guessing it’s mostly a “plea agreement” in the PR world, playing on just the stereotypes you mention. But in reality, I bet anyone, regardless of age or gender, will be able to use the services provided. Still, I’d like to see evidence that my thoughts are correct…
MW: Holy Crap, no sh!t: “aid”
There’s no truth to the rumor that Target plans to sue Apple for stealing their logo.
What next? the Wal-Mart iPod?