This is a first. Anyone can get a short text message engraved on the back of their iPod (unless it gets rejected by Apple). But the days of lame text messages may be over... at least for TiVo junkies. TiVo is offering rewards to existing customers who encourage friends and family members to sign up for TiVo. One of these rewards is a Limited Edition TiVo iPod.


"Because your music collection can't always come with you. When you don't have access to your home theater sound system and the TiVo Digital Music Player, there's the Apple iPod. A musical dream come true, iPod continues to define the perfect portable digital music player for Mac and Windows with the ability to easily slip up to 5,000 songs into your pocket. And enjoy it wherever you go. In the car. On the treadmill. At the office. At work (did we say that?). Offering up to 12 hours of battery life. Weighing in at just 5.6 ounces. Use it with Mac OS X or Windows 2000/XP. Shuffle songs in the main menu. Comes with: Apple Earphones, AC Adapter, FireWire cable, and USB 2.0 cable. This is the latest and greatest iPod - the 4th generation iPod. Plus, the TiVo logo is etched on back!."[Via TIVO]

The MethodShop Spin: This is a strange move for TiVo and Apple. They still haven't worked out compatibility issues with TiVo's Home Media Option and the iTunes Music Store. Maybe this is a good sign of a better relationship.