One card to rule them all - introducing Card 2.0

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I don't know about you, but I've amassed quite a few plastic cards which I rotate in and out of the wallet.  I hate walking around with a big fat wallet.  I do not appreciate the bulge that it makes, or the fact that it presses up against psiatic nerves and can lead to some serious health problems.  Just to name a few:  I have my drivers license, my check card, credit card, club cards, gas card, Starbucks coffee card, rewards membership card, library card, movie rental card, etc.  And I'm fairly certain there are those of you that try to carry them all in one wallet or your purse.  Hopefully, there is one card that can replace them all.
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Sifteo - thinking outside the cube

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I first heard about the Sifteo cubes last year when I was forwarded the TED conference talk about the concept of the product from a friend that works there.  A couple days ago I got to visit Sifteo at the consumer electronic show convention booth and see them in action and try them out for myself.
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GoogleTV is available on Pre-order - but, who needs it?

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OK, so the big question is why do I need it?

Frankly from what I can tell from advertising, I can't answer that question.  I can see it revolutionizing the set top box experience above and beyond what we have now, but from what I can tell its not there yet.

It's a set-top box for your TV that allows you to watch streaming programs from a few sources.  But it costs three times as much as a New Apple TV.  

It also lets me surf the web and watch TV at the same time - I have that, it's called a TV next to the computer or a PiP capable monitor.  iPad works great for that.

It has no built in DVR and requires you to supply it.  If it added Tivo like functionality to some of these somewhat crummy DVRs with no fees, I'd jump at it.  No promises yet.

Maybe when the android apps that come out for it next year it will all make sense.

Video on Google TV here.

 

Yet another "magical" product from Apple

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Apple Magic Trackpad (MC380LL/A) only $65.99

I wonder where all this magic comes from?  I remember back in the 90s, trackpads for desktops were starting to be all the rage.  It used less desk space, and you can navigate with your fingertips - more natural for beginners.

And then, people realized that maybe sliding your fingers over and over again to get to the edge of your big screen wasn't going to cut it.

I really don't understand why it took anybody so long to just simply create a bigger one.  And why it even took Apple so long to create one using their patented multi-touch capability.

But it's finally here!

Pocket-lint already has a review for it here - they give it a 9/10!  Too bad the drivers are for Mac only, and its bluetooth so that your desk stays wire-free.  Maybe someone will hack it to work with Windows.

If only Steve Jobs can work his magic to fix the reception issues with the iPhone 4.

Crappy AT&T 3G cell reception? AT&T has an answer for you.

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Meet the new AT&T Microcell.  Its only available in select test areas - sadly not in any areas which I frequent.  You can enter your zip code in to see if available in your zip code.

Oh, and it only works for phones that support 3G.

"

AT&T 3G MicroCell acts like a mini cellular tower in your home or small business environment. It connects to AT&T's network via your existing broadband Internet service (such as DSL or cable) and is designed to support up to four simultaneous users in a home or small business setting. With AT&T 3G MicroCell, you receive improved cellular signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and surfing the Web.

Device Features:

  • Enhanced coverage indoors – supports both voice and data up to 5000 square feet
  • Available unlimited minute plans – individual or FamilyTalk plans.
  • 3G handset compatible – works with any AT&T 3G phone.
  • Supports up to four voice or data users at once.
  • Device is secure – cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy and secure online management of device settings
  • Seamless call hand-over – start calls on your 3G MicroCell and continue without interruption, even if you leave the building.

Device Requirements:

  • 3G wireless phone/device
  • Broadband service over DSL or cable
  • Computer with Internet access for online registration

Additional Information:

  • Installing your device near a window is strongly recommended to ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS link is needed to verify the device location during the initial startup.
  • The 3G MicroCell device is portable. The device may be moved, provided the new location is within the AT&T authorized service area and properly registered online."

Remember those AT&T ads in the 90s about what was to come? Video Phones... oooh ahhh!

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Well, its not AT&T that is bringing that technology to the masses.  Really we have to thank Skype (which was bought by eBay a few years ago) - this year looks like things are about to change.

Their motto is: Skype – the whole world can talk for free

Well with the Asus EEE Skype phone available now:

 

ASUS AIGURUSV1T Eee Skype Video Phone for $199.99

it looks like it may be mainstream starting this decade. CES already showed a lot of premium flat-screen TVs with built-in skype video calling.  But nobody had a good clear demonstration to show.

Check this video out of the skype video phone by Asus though:

 Even I'm impressed.