“Your singing was as dreadful as this touchscreen interface is wonderful”

Apple and American Idol are teaming up to bring music and video content to the iTunes Store. But lost amid the hoopla over the news that you’ll be able to buy 99-cent versions of would-be musical superstars caterwauling pop tunes is the iPhone-related angle to this Apple-Idol partnership. Specifically, Apple is now one of the major sponsors for the popular reality TV competition, and that makes the iPhone “the official handset” of American Idol.

Variety has the scoop:

On the show, Apple’s iPod becomes the official digital music player for “Idol,” while the iPhone becomes the show’s official handset. (AT&T, the iPhone’s exclusive service provider, already is an “Idol” signature sponsor.)

Apple brands will also be integrated into the show — get ready to see Simon subtly checking his iPhone during the show.

So that’s more televised exposure for the iPhone. Good thing, too, as it’s really been flying under the radar since its launch last year.

Category: News

Posted by Philip Michaels on Feb 19 2008, 1:20 PM ET

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