Stephen Colbert shows iPad at the Grammys
updated 10:00 pm EST, Sun January 31, 2010
Apple grants Colbert iPad wish
Apple tonight took advantage of the Grammy Awards to surprise the audience with an appearance by an iPad (viewable below). Taking action on Stephen Colbert's mock demand for an iPad on his show, Apple gave the host an iPad for his presentation of the "Song of the Year" award. He teased that even Jay-Z didn't get the device in his gift basket and asked his daughter Madeleine if she thought it made him "cool."
The unit was identifiably a functioning prototype as it included both the onscreen keyboard and the home screen, including a brief rotation into landscape mode.
Apple has been known occasionally to use the circumstances around an awards show to help its product placement, though the Grammys instance is a rare direct promotion. During the Oscars in March 2007, Apple ran a one-time ad for the iPhone and refrained from providing prototypes. [via Mashable]
Brilliant...
01/31, 10:45pm (1 reply) reply
...as always.
Counting down to testudo hit 'n' post comments.
ZinkDifferent
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Joined: Jan 2005
my bet
01/31, 10:51pm (1 reply) reply
some apple staffer was standing in the wings, handed Colbert the ipad as he walked out and then took it from him as he came back off the stage.
charlituna
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The Colbert Report
02/01, 01:05am (1 reply) reply
Colbert also mentioned that he wanted the iPad on his show openning and in the beginnings of his credits is the quickly moving word, "Appelicious."
He and his writers really have a knack for details.
MacnnChester
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!
02/01, 01:48am reply
Brilliant product placement!
JeffHarris
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product placement
02/01, 04:04am reply
Indeed brilliant product placement but it wouldn't have worked with the HP Slate, only Apple can pull a Grammy like this.
Peter Bonte
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hee hee
02/01, 06:58am reply
Would be funny if they let him keep it long enough for tonight's show to make it look like he actually really did get one. (Shh don't tell him how liberal Apple is.)
joecab
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Certified by FCC?
02/01, 07:15am reply
You can bet that Apple are being very careful with what happens with the devices prior to FCC certification. There are big, evil, corrupt people and companies just waiting for the slightest mis-step.
Feathers
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Joined: Oct 1999
Outstanding!
02/01, 08:00am reply
You can't buy advertising that phenomenal at any price.
Love it, hate it or still undecided, this was an advertising coup for Apple.
Foe Hammer
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Joined: Feb 2005
I noticed he pulled it from his jacket...
02/01, 08:07am reply
so he must have had some custom-sized pocket put in. I may do the same thing so I can carry mine around like that.
iphonerulez
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re:iphonerulez
02/01, 10:45am reply
I'm thinking .. wait, no, I'm going to get one intro production, then tell the internets...
HA!
jwdsail
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