"Magic Slates" of the Future

I keep hearing the endless blah blah blah of the blahgosphere chattering about Apple's rumoured eReader/magic device to be released in the second half of next year. Along with the hype surrounding the Kindle/Nook/Txtr/whatever the Sony thing is called, one feels a bit hit over the head with the marketing (news=marketing today) pushing the reader devices at the public.

This round, at least for me, there isn't an instant lust being generated like there was for the beloved iPhone. I have been wondering why that is. I mean, I am a tech geek and love all the tech toys...so why no "gotta-have-it" feeling for this rumoured contraption? I think I know, though. I am suffering from information overload. No matter how much I read these days, no matter how many videos I watch, simulations I look at, websites I click through, I always feel as though I am behind on information consumption. I know I am not unique here - far from it. But I guess what worries me about the eReaders is that they represent yet another format for information overload.

If you have a few minutes, take a look at these prototype videos (and if you're interested....). They show the potential direction that Apple's "iSlate" will be going in. Really amazing stuff, no question...





But...

Last night I downloaded a new app to the iphone - a freebie - a Sherlock Holmes ebook complete with text, words linked to definitions and related info, and videos to help set the scene in London during the Sherlock Holmes era. And...it was nice - well done and interesting - but it completely changes how one reads. When I get engrossed in a book, the pages turn seemingly automatically and images form in my head. I generally don't need a video to create a picture for myself. And in fact, it is nice to be able to concentrate on the actual language and words. Suddenly, I had blue links to click and video play buttons to press. And while I like the *idea* of all this extra information, it is incredibly distracting from the story itself. It distracts from the words. It limits my ability to create my own images in my head of how something might look.

So I am quite torn. While my tech-geeky side says "woo hoooooo! send me one now please!" my book-worm side says "no way, i want the feel and smell of a book, i want to enjoy the language without the constant pull to click a link or play a video." I know there must be a solution somewhere in the middle. Have the option to turn off all the gadgets while you read something the first time? Something of this nature. Hoping that the prototypes start to address this more as well soon...

Into the Woods

After a lot of chilly drizzily weater, the sun peeked out today so it
was time for a walk. Perhaps not quite as nice as walking on a beach
in 80 degree weather with the crash of the ocean as an undertone, but
still quite nice to crunch through the leaves and rocks with the dark
green moss and scent of pines as a backdrop.

Had Enough Of This Country

I mean...how much is a person supposed to deal with? Time to learn to build an igloo or something. I have on three layers and am wrapped in a down comforter and am sitting next to a heater...doing powerpoint slides. Will be happy when Wednesday evening rolls around and I can just stay in bed under three comforters. lol.

YES! THE THERMOMETER SAYS -18!!!!

Jack Russell

I think he's a Jack Russell terrior? Anyway he was pretty cute. I want
to take him home with me. Not sure if he would get along with Sammy
and Sophie though.

Winter Arrives

It snowed last night - an inch or two - and now Munich is a winter fairy land...at least until the sun melts away the powder.

And to celebrate...

Yesterday I was reading the reviews of the best iphone applications of 2009 (according to Apple) and ended up buying one that looked like fun - a panorama photo creator. And it works really well.

So I rode over to the gym on my bike through the English garden and tried it out. I need some practice, but playing around for now.

Turknstein

Sapient's Christmas video (and greeting) just went live and it's very cute. Take a look and consider helping support the charity we're giving to this year.

Turknstein flies again! from Turknstein on Vimeo.

Jingle Bells

Walking to work today, passed this flower shop with these beautiful bells made of branches and leaves and moss. They're huge and very lovely. I could imagine having one of these instead of a Christmas tree....not that we'll have a Christmas tree.

Too Late Turkey

Really it's a good thing these guys were nowhere to be seen last week.
I think they must have been in hiding in order to avoid turkey-loving
Americans.

This morning I ran outside to get a snap and they went running down
the hill in back of the house. Guess they must still be a little
nervous.

Ogilvy Snow

Nice! Silly little iphone App that is clever and simple. Ogilvy created an app that lets you make it look like it is snowing when you snap a pic with it. See - it'll even snow indoors for you or in sunny California when it is 60 degrees out (F). :-))) Nice holiday gimmick.

Nippy Napa

It is cooooold here, but beautiful. Tasted wine, biked all over the
place, but disappointed (a bit) by the food.

Time For Marshmallows

Sunny but chilly here, so the fire a welcome distraction