[From Eric Mann] The countdown has begun, Apple is counting down to the 1 billion download. "As of today, nearly one billion apps have been downloaded around the globe. So we just want to say thanks — a billion. Download an app and you’ll automatically get the chance to win a $10,000 iTunes Gift Card, an iPod touch, a Time Capsule, and a MacBook Pro. Just go to the iTunes Store, browse the App Store, and download your best app yet." Go and try and enter or at least look at the cool countdown clock. Make the jump.