Invitation to Beta of Private Video Messaging App

I am working with a new client that is building a very cool video messaging app.

They are asking people to join the beta review process, so sign up now for an invite to test the beta version of Priveo - private video messaging reimagined bit.ly/14j6OhR

The invitations will be sent out shortly, so sign up now. bit.ly/14j6OhR

Wrapup of CES 2010

Like most people, I can get a little gadget crazy. I almost never get to the point of actually shelling out real money, but I love to see and read about the latest, coolest gadgets. So last week was a fun week for me as I followed the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas.

For those of you that don't know, according to Wikipedia, CES is

"The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a non-public trade show held each January in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association. At the show, many previews of products are introduced, and new products are announced. The show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with additional venues used for some specific technologies. The CES is considered one of the major technology-related trade shows, after Comdex was cancelled.The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a non-public trade show held each January in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association. At the show, many previews of products are introduced, and new products are announced. The show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center with additional venues used for some specific technologies. The CES is considered one of the major technology-related trade shows, after Comdex was cancelled."

This year there were an especially cool assortment of new technologies and products announced. Here a few that caught my eye:

Lots of people have been talking about Google's mobile operating system, Android, over the past few months. But Do You Really Need a Microwave or a Washer-Dryer Running Android?

Samsung announced a new LCD TV, the C9000, that's "ultra thin." What does this mean? Oh, it's no thicker than a pencil. Really. No, seriously, check out the photo here if you don't believe me. I. Must. Have. One.

Except I might not and save up for Panasonic's new 152 inch 3D TV. Yep, a 152 inches. I have a 55 incher, I thought myself pretty cool when I bought it too.

Everything is going to be 3D TV this year. Olympics, the World Cup, etc. DirecTV announced three new 3D channels (which I'm sure they'll charge $10,000 a minute to watch).

In the end, I can't argue with Gizmodo. "If you only watch one four minute recap video of CES this year, make it Joel Johnson's four minute recap video of CES." It is a really good recap. LOL. I'll just stop here and let you just watch the video...

The Walled Garden Crumbles...a little

Well, here is some interesting news...Google is having an influence already in the mobile industry. Verizon announced today that it will start allowing third party apps and any phones on its network and will reach out and open its network to developers.

Here is the story (WSJ- subscription required): Verizon Wireless to Offer Open Access to Network

Verizon has been known historically as the toughest carrier with regards to protecting its walled garden, so this is some pretty major news. Think Microsoft is excited? Check out their quote:

"Microsoft is very excited to see Verizon Wireless make such a bold move to satisfy the demands of wireless customers," said Peter Knook, head of the company's mobile communications business.

I've had a Microsoft Mobile powered phone (a XV6601) on Verizon for years now and have been a generally pleased costumer. Apple's genius at rolling out a average product with great design and great marketing is well-known. It continues to amaze me how slow Microsoft and its carrier partners are to trumpet the capabilities of its devices.

But Google announces Andriod...and wow, do things start to get moving.