iPod Red Unvieled, Set to Fight AIDS

Red is the color of love, the color of emotions and also the color for fight against AIDS. Adding to the list of Motorola SLVR, the American Express credit card, now comes the new iPod nano RED.

Apple Inc. launched the latest version of the much talked about iPods. What is new is the color, the beautiful shining red shade. Having the same price and features as its other cousins, the thing to be noted is that $10 out of marked price of $199 will proceed towards the Global Fund to fund programs for women and children affected by HIV/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 to more than 363 programs in 131 countries.

In a fantastic effort to use a brand name to mobilize resources towards a noble cause, Oprah Winfry and the U2 lead singer Bono lead the campaign to launch the product. Bono has created his own brand and harnessed the marketing power of some the world's most recognized companies, all in an effort to fight AIDS in Africa. A share of proceeds from goods associated with Product Red, including a blazing-red version of Motorola's popular Razr phone, go to Bono's charity.

"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. "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."

"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. "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."

Talking about the iPod nano itself, it 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.

Even in the past many well established brands have used their goodwill to lend a helping hand to the organizations committed towards healthcare issues and many social issues. Gap, Motorola, Converse, Giorgio Armani have also been involved in providing resources from the sale of their products.