Penn & Teller aren't just stage performers, they will also perform tricks via SMS, or what would appear to be SMS. Penn & Teller's new iPhone and iPod touch app allows you to trick your friends into believing that you are actually communicating with a member of the comedic duo while performing a simple card trick.
The app is pretty simple. Just ask a friend to name a card's suit and number. Then tell them that Penn or Teller can guess that card via SMS. While you are pulling your iPhone out of your pocket to hand over to your friend, you must input the card's suit and number via a cleverly designed interface that is meant to mimic the iPhone's so you won't give the trick away. Once you have done that, simply hand the device over to your friend. Penn or Teller will strike up a conversation while trying to guess the correct card, but it really isn't Penn or teller, it's just pre-programmed responses. Eventually the card will be "guessed," and hopefully your friend will be left wondering what just took place.
Penn & Teller Chat Magic Trick is now available in the App Store for $1.99. The app was recently demonstrated at TechCrunch's TC50. Follow the link to see the app demonstrated by Penn Jillette himself.
