Tonights roundtable show involved Tanesha, Song, Gwen and myself (Mario). I promised listeners that I would update the website with some of the information that was shared specifically information pertaining to opportunities for software developers. I've blogged and talked about the iPhone opportunity before but tonight I feel the window of opportunity is going to close and I want to make sure as many people participate as possible. 

 We are dealing with an unprecedented opportunity to develop applications that would run on the iPhone platform. If you are a developer, software engineer or savvy business person that may have a great idea for a program that should be available on iPhones NOW IS THE TIME. Not tomorrow, not next week NOW!

Here's the deal, Apple is allowing developers to download the SDK (software developer kit) this kit provides the information developers need to know about the infrastructure and necessary criteria. Then you get to set the price your willing to charge for your application and you get to keep 70cents of the fee. Apple will offer the application in their iPhone Apps store.

Let's run through a quick example of the potential. Apple is on track to sell 10 mill iPhones, you develop an app that 4% of that audience decides to download = (that would be about 400,000 downloads) take the 400,000 downloads x $.70 (revenue you receive from Apple per download) = $280,000 (and that’s only 1 application you've created, imagine if you had more than 1 app?)

What are you waiting for?

Other relevant information:

The Apple developer program website:
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/

Mario Blog with more info:
http://marioa.squarespace.com/blog/2008/3/7/100-million-apple-iphone-sdk-and-austin-powers-team-up-to-ru.html

 Apple's press release:
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/03/06iphone.html

Terry Denson is facing one of technology's toughest challenges: transforming Verizon into a global leader in video services.  But then again, this achiever has a habit of whipping expectations - even while a global market is betting against him.

Electronic manufacturers are promoting more environment friendly initiatives:

Guests:

Jason Oxman, VP with the Consumer Electronics Association online at: www.ce.org - they also created the new e-friendly tech website: http://www.mygrenelectronics.org

Barbara Kyle, National Cordinator of the Computer TakeBack Campaign - online: http://www.computertakeback.com/

Mark Newton, DELL Corporation, Environmental Policy Manager - online: http://www.dell.com/recycling  

Mario sits down to talk with the Dean of Automitive Car Designers - Ralph Gilles at just under 35 years old he has already been inducted to the Automotive Hall of Fame primarily for his most successful design of the Chrysler 300c Motor Trend Car of The Year 2005. We speak with him about his career, the process behind car design, ideas for youth to pursue dreams and the challenges he went through dropping out of college.

Listen or download here - (to download, right click and choose save as)

http://marioa.squarespace.com/storage/Ralph%20Gilles%20show%20mp3.mp3

Webby Awards Executive Director David Michael-Davies joins us to discuss how the annual tribute has become the Oscars of the internet.   From nominations for the best web sites to entertainment that cuts a new cyberspace edge to on-line banking that works for you, the competition pulls in over 8000 entries from around the globe.  And get this - you can participate in the voting process too!  Find out this evening what it takes to be considered one of the best and then start compiling your own list.   Plus, we'll be in the thick of the action during the awards program in New York City!  Stay tuned to the show and our web site for info on our unedited coverage of the Webby Awards.  For more on the awards go to:  www.webbyawards.com

As I mentioned on the show here are my Top 10 websites you can use:

www.tripadvisor.com

www.cellswapper.com

www.consumerist.com

www.gasbuddy.com

www.kayak.com

www.openoffice.org

www.furl.net

www.video.aol.com

www.wesabe.com

www.newsgator.com

On the next Mario Armstrong’s Digital Spin, Wednesday at 7pm, fact gets separated from fiction when it comes to Internet Addiction. Four experts come together to debate its validity as a distinct disorder. Some say it’s real and disruptive of lives. Others dismiss it as fantasy. Yet the number of individuals whose lives have been shattered by insatiable cyberspace surfing, love on-line going wrong, and pornography being just a click away is growing steadily. Experts, addiction treatment providers, and skeptics join Mario to weigh in on the latest research and the increasing number of cries for help.

On the next Mario Armstrong's Digital Spin, Wednesday at 7pm, technology and health care are closing in on a killer. Colin Hill's bio simulation models aim to cut cancer off at the pass. Sony and Stanford University are teaming up to beat Alzheimer's - with a little help from the PlayStation 3. And then some Sanford professors really start something by designing a better Internet from scratch - or at least they think so. They pitch their vision to Mario and you on Wednesday at 7pm.

Two women at the top of the design game! Ever notice how the Saturn Aura is designed for comfort, performance and the love of the drive? The General Motors diva behind the interior design joins Mario to explain why the Car of the Year at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit also won its Car of the Year for Women prize. And for Shelia Bridges, former President William Clinton’s Harlem office is just one of her legendary design projects. Female power by design this Wednesday at 7pm.

Guests: Crystal Windham - GM, Automotive Interior Designer -

Winner of 2 Top Honors at the recent North American International Car show- winning "Car of the Year" for the Saturn Aura and "Car of the Year for Women". Ohhhh and did we mention she's just over 30 years young!

Get inspired and get movin!

Sheila Bridges - Owner, Sheila Bridges Design Inc

 - a New York-based interior design firm. Named "America's Best Interior Designer" by CNN and Time Magazine, Sheila Bridges founded her own interior design firm in 1994. Clients include, former Pres. Bill Clinton, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Motowns Andre Hartell etc.

 More about her online and her portfolio at: http://www.sheilabridges.com

March madness anyone? It’s the March edition of First Wednesdays with Mario and Friends. And the crew has a lot to say about the on-line political mudslinging between presidential candidates, lies and all. Meanwhile the NCAA has come up with a way to take advantage of the “me” generation. If you have a favorite team get ready. Plus Friday night has been date night over at ABC News with it’s sexual predators stake out. But the crew has some interesting takes on the practice. And two important consumer notes: brace yourself for laws banning laptop use while driving, and you can bid on a parking spot for your cell phone. Yup, it’s March madness on the next Mario Armstrong’s Digital Spin Wednesday at 7pm.

If you think career opportunities have fled the world of technology, think again. In fact the Chair of UMBC's Information Systems Department says the best is yet to come. And the 2007 Siemens Teacher's Scholarship winner is preparing to ensure that all kids are prepared for tomorrow's golden digital developments. The 6 fastest growing careers all have the word computer in them. Myths are about to get busted and technology career opportunities are revealed on the next Mario Armstrong's Digital Spin, this Wednesday.