justin:

Last night we were out at a bar in the outskirts of Berlin, enjoying a wide variety of beverages (yes, milkshakes even!) and as is typical in a bar setting, there was music playing in the background.

One particular song brought up a hot debate as to what it was. It went back and forth with rapid German precision before I realized I held the answer deep within my pocket.

Now, an aside, most people here don’t have iPhones. They’re very expensive and just not even close to as prevalent as in the states, or especially the NYC tech world. I happened to be sitting next to one of the few other folks I have met thusfar with one and we were tinkering around on the local wifi.

So, I recall that there’s some app that can detect songs from just recording them for a few seconds so I quickly access the app store, download SHAZAM, and hold my phone to the sky, demanding silence from the table cohorts.

They watch, hypnotized as the circular meter runs its course. I bring the phone down, end the debate, and watch as their jaws drop. (all the while my iPhone buddy next to me has already downloaded the app and is nothing short of overjoyed).

“WHAT … the HELL.” “That shouldn’t even be … possible …” (one guy has turned to just start crying in the corner).

I felt like a golden god decending upon this simple place and giving the crude inhabitants the gift of fire. Thank you Apple. Thank you Shazam.