But, today, Apple unveiled a FABULOUS new initiative aimed at electronic textbook creation, delivery, distribution, use and pricing. Consider that many of the textbooks that will be offered in the new iBooks store will be under $15 (at least as presented today), students will be the beneficiaries of an array of interactive textbooks for a fraction of the cost of printed textbooks.

All of these books will be viewable on Apple’s iPad, of course.

Add to that the ability of teachers (or anyone for that matter) to create and deliver their own interactive books (textbooks or otherwise) and you have the beginnings of a major shift in education and learning. 

If you are an administrator, teacher or student wanting to catch a glimpse of the future of education, be sure to watch this introduction video. AMAZING stuff! Just a note: If you are on Windows, you’ll need to have Quicktime 7 to watch the video.

As a real estate broker for nearly 25 years and with MANY real estate clients who have used THINK-TANK over the years to assist them with branding and marketing consultation, I have also been a fan of Apple for a long time. At the time the iPad was first introduced, I was fascinated with the potential for real estate agents who are more mobile than ever before and not so tied to their offices. After all, agents make their livings being out in the field with prospects. Was this idle speculation or is it coming to fruition?

Apple just profiled a “boutique” real estate firm in Austin, Texas which has embraced the concept full bore. See the details and watch the video HERE.

My guess is that just about ANYONE (regardless of age) would appreciate the design and “construction” talent that went into this project! Check out the video HERE.

It has sections for Primary & Secondary Education, University and Lifelong Learning. While it may not have the depth and breadth that iTunes U has, it signifies that online learning and extending the reach of an individual educator appears to be the wave of the future. See what you think HERE.

If this technology is included, it will once again elevate Apple’s innovation to a new level for all of us including those who are visually impaired. Check out my original post about what I saw then as a major coup for Apple in their purchase of a company called Siri, the company that developed the technology used in Assistant.

To go directly to the video, click here.

We’ll all have to wait and see if this comes to pass. If so, get ready to be dazzled by Apple once again!

But, is the future of card sharing becoming more digital and less physical? Possibly. However, just as I think that sending someone a handwritten note in the mail is way more powerful than sending them an email, I still believe that giving someone a “can’t-throw-it-away” Business Card that has a WOW factor to it is brand-building 101.

However, if you are wanting to move to a digital brand, there’s an interesting app that might intrigue you. Here’s the video that shows how it works. The only disadvantage that I see with this and other electronic cards is that often (almost always) the other person has to have the same app installed on their phone for the sharing to work.

Nonetheless, this video will give you a peek at what’s coming in the years ahead.