Now that I have an “app phone” (as David Pogue says) I think its time to begin reviewing some of these apps. Are they revolutionary? Are they a waste of time? Or do they somehow skirt the line between the two? I bring you… Cowbell 2010.

I discovered this little gem while surfing the “featured” apps in the Apple iPhone App Store (it’s also available on iPod Touch). It was only 99 cents, and it looks appropriately dumb enough to use on the radio version of this column (I feature a new app every Friday on the Lambert and Lindsey show on 102.3 The Max). It seemed perfect for the radio bit, because it has an audio component.

Here’s what it is… It’s a cowbell, and when you shake your phone (or tap the screen) it makes the sound of a cowbell. Neat, eh? Not really. Revolutionary? Nope. Kinda annoying? Yep. I used the app to irritate the bejeezus out of my cohosts on Friday morning’s show.

What you don’t realize at first, however, is that this isn’t really JUST a ringing cowbell app. It’s a winter olympics app. Cowbells, as you may hear every time you watch the games, are a sort of “applause” for winter sports. People stand on either side of the ski trails and ring them constantly. Now, with this app on your phone, you can cheer on your favorite athletes. You can even decorate the bell on the screen with the flag of your choice.

Not only that, the app has a running schedule of the Olympic events PLUS a running medal count. And a twitter feed if you want to follow it.

So not only can you irritate your friends, but you can also cheer on the USA and follow the Olympic schedule. Kinda worth 99 cents now, isn’t it?

Well maybe not. But it’s better than just the sound of a cowbell. Available in the app store - search “Cowbell 2010.”

posted by Aaron Miller

(Full Post)