Zippo Manufacturing Company and Moderati Inc are proud to announce their free application for iPhone and iPod touch, Virtual Zippo Lighter. This collaboration with Moderati represents the brand’s first cooperative foray into downloadable applications for mobile devices. The free, branded application is now available for download through Apple's popular iTunes App Store.

Adding to the hundreds of free apps already available for Apple's handheld devices, the Virtual Zippo Lighter app brings the look and feel of Zippo’s iconic lighter to the iPhone. Users can open the lighter with a flick of the device, light it up with a turn of the flint wheel and, most importantly, sway the flame as they move the handset around. Realistic sound effects highlight the action of the lighter when it opens and closes, while the vibration is enabled when the flame is upside down.

“We are excited to launch the Virtual Zippo Lighter into Apple’s App Store,” said Marketing Communications Manager at Zippo, Pat Grandy. “It’s a true representation of our brand in a virtual format and our partnership with Moderati, with their experience in mobile marketing and development, is helping to bring a digital alternative to the ‘Zippo Moment’ for 21st century concertgoers.”

“Zippo is widely-known as the best and coolest lighter in the world,” said SVP of Marketing and acting President of Moderati, Cindy Mesaros. “We are taking that concept to the virtual world, and the iPhone is the perfect platform for it. We are proud to hold our Virtual Zippo Lighters aloft.”

While there are similar apps “swaying” around the App Store, none of them is free. Also, Virtual Zippo Lighter is the only free and branded lighter in the App Store with fully interactive lighter simulation, a realistic looking flame and multiple case designs, according to Zippo. The company also says that its app offers Zippo fans the experience of the famous “Zippo Moment” for free, “by holding their cell phones aloft and swaying to power ballads at concerts” (you simply must leave your comments on this).