Taken with his iPhone, no less!
In our relentless quest to find out how New Zealanders are using their iPhones, we caught up with veteran kiwi comic icon Dai Henwood, star of C4′s ‘Roll the Dai’ and ‘Jono’s New Show’ (and iPhonewzealand subscriber!) and learned that beneath the hilarity and downright mentalist facade there lurks a seriously gadget-loving inner-geek who loves his iPhone and isn’t afraid to admit it!
I asked Dai how long he has been an iPhone owner and how it fits into his life? Is it purely for keeping in touch or does he use it for gaming or blogging? Maybe it’s a chick magnet or did he buy it for the hilarious fart apps?!
“I can’t remember exactly when I got my first iPhone but it was about two years ago. I was an early adopter due to a huge amount of gadget envy. My mate Clay got one and showed me all the features. I was at the parallel importers at 9am the next day and have been through three since then! I use it mainly for phone and e-mail, but also for web browsing and games when I am travelling. I travel a lot in my job and to have the all-in-one gadget is awesome. Recently apps like Find NZ and Zenbu have been rocking my world when I am travelling around NZ. Also the Mobile Maps app is very expensive but worth every cent. In fact after I put my Navman on TradeMe I made money on it.”
So, is Dai really a geek at heart?
“I certainly am. A huge amount of my earnings is spent on gadgets. I DJ a bit so between that and my gaming, half the house is covered in gadgets! Luckily for my fiancee I am very good at cord management.”
I wanted to know what music was currently loaded on his iPhone and which three apps he most recently downloaded.
“Currently I’m listening to Fat Freddys “Dr Boondigga and the Big BW”, Sam Sparro “Black and Gold”, all the Grand National and Arcade Fire albums as well as a smattering of The Kings of Leon. In terms of apps, Find NZ, Peggle, and Air NZ MPass – I always fly Air NZ and the MPass is an awesome app!”
So how deep is this iPhone obssession? Are there any plans for a “Roll the Dai” app? Could be a fun way to see NZ!
“I love that idea. I need to find someone who can make an app! I can provide the content and have loads of places to visit in Rural NZ.” Any takers out there, readers!?
How does having an iPhone help on the comedy circuits overseas? Have you managed to get yourself out of any sticky situations using your iPhone?
“I got lost in Sydney in a very dodgy red light district (Kings Cross). I was quite drunk and had no way of getting back to my accommodation. I found a free wi-fi spot and downloaded a Sydney app. I just typed in my hotel and it gave me the route and public transport to get back to the hotel. I love my iphone!”
What’s next for Dai? What are you working on at the moment and what’s next on the cards?
“At the moment I am working on a TV show called ’7 Days’ for TV3. That will be out in late August / early September. I am also hosting the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards in October and recording my first DVD ‘Dai Another Day’ at Sky City theatre in Auckland.”
