One thing I’m no good at is technological basics. When the TV says install a new digital program, I fumble with the remote and phone a friend. I’ve never downloaded a movie or CD from the internet.
I can barely burn a DVD without opening four programs and using up my computer’s memory.
Before the weekend, I’d downloaded one app, RunKeeper, to my iPhone.
It wasn’t until Russ was in Brisbane a few weeks back that I witnessed the power of the app. He downloaded the AFL app to Kristine’s iPad. We listened to West Coast v Fremantle during dinner.
On Saturday I downloaded the AFL app to my phone. As the day went on, I listened to the footy wearing earphones.
The app is free and unmetered, which, Russ said, means it doesn’t cost anything to use.
On Sunday, I listened to the football all day, switching between three games. When I went to a hardware store for vegetable seedlings, I held the phone like old men used to hold their transistors.
People glanced at me as I browsed the isles. Sydney was playing the Western Bulldogs.
I didn’t feel like an old man. I felt like a technical guru.
Later, as I dug in the vegetable patch, I listened to Adelaide against Port, using just one earphone so I could chat to Kristine and Angus.
My neighbour called hello from beyond the fence. I didn’t hear him until Kristine pointed him out.
‘Hi Brett,’ I said. ‘I’m listening to the footy and didn’t hear you.’
‘You’re always listening to the footy,’ he said.
While making dinner, I listened to Collingwood hammer Essendon on the iPad. When Kristine put Angus to bed, I turned it down.
Last night I downloaded the ABC app, to listen to the cricket. The app lets you chose programs, so next weekend, if I want, I can listen to the football via the ABC app instead of the AFL’s app.
For a couple of years I’ve been listening to NIRS broadcast football through the iPod. I love carrying footy around with me like that when I’m at home.
Friday night, a few months back, I sat next to Kristine on the couch. It was dark. We were watching a movie. We didn’t talk for a while. When she asked me a question, I didn’t hear it.
When I removed the earphones and asked her to repeat the question, Kristine shook her head. When I put the earphones back in, she said something. When I took the earphones out, she smiled.
I hope she said something nice.
There is an app for everything. Adam G has an app on his phone that tells you what song you’re listening to.
I’m not going to get carried away, though. I just love the sport apps.
Two years ago I often used three radios to listen to the football or cricket. The radio in the lounge was on, as was the radio downstairs and the radio in the garage. Wherever I went, I could listen.
Now those peripheral radios are redundant. I can listen to sport without infringing on anyone else’s life.
You’re probably already doing this. If you’re not, and you love football and cricket like I do, and your family are okay with you walking around the house in your own, sports world, then do the download.
On Saturday night, The Pole showed us the Hawthorn app he downloaded. North Melbourne has an app too…
Pride Cup results:
|
123 |
Adam G (7) |
|
118 |
Kristine (6), Matt (6), Russ (6), Anne (6) |
|
116 |
Wayne (7) |
|
115 |
Sandra (5) |
|
113 |
Stevo (4) |
|
112 |
Andy (5), Matt B (6) |
|
110 |
The Pole (5) |
|
107 |
Adam L (4) |
|
105 |
James (5) |
|
104 |
Jim (7), Dallas (5) |
