Steve Jobs on iTunes on Windows: Glass of Ice Water
What Jobs talks about
In this brief remark, Jobs responds to a question about how it feels to have iTunes become a favorite app on Windows. He frames the reaction as unexpectedly positive, even from people using Microsoft’s platform.
He then delivers the punchline: “It’s like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.” The line captures his sharp humor and his confidence in iTunes’ appeal.
An interviewer or host asks the question; Jobs responds briefly.
In his words
“We've got cards and letters from lots of people that say that iTunes is their favorite app on Windows.”
“Uh-huh.”
“It's like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.”
Key points
- iTunes was being praised by Windows users.
- Jobs notes receiving letters from many people saying iTunes is their favorite app on Windows.
- He uses a vivid joke to describe the impact of that response.
- The quote reflects his competitive instinct toward Microsoft, but the transcript itself stays focused on iTunes' popularity.
Full transcript
How does that feel? We've got cards and letters from lots of people that say that iTunes is their favorite app on Windows. Uh-huh. But I mean, I knew you... I knew you, you know, I think here at D actually... It's like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.
Transcribed from the audio with OpenAI Whisper. Timestamps link to the video above. Errors are possible.