cnet review of Total Recall

Ready or not, time to grapple with e-memory by Stephen Shankland.

Just because Gordon Bell and Jim Gemmell are way out there on the nerd spectrum, don't ignore what they have to say in their new book, "Total Recall." ...

"Total Recall," which goes on sale Thursday, is a reasonable and general introduction to the idea that you might want to digitally record much of your life. Chiefly, the book exists to encourage people to take the plunge, but it's also got practical advice about doing so, some warnings about unpleasant possible side effects, and even 10 related start-ups Bell says he'd invest in...

The book is a useful, accessible work from people who've already examined the issue in technical detail...

...I'm a ways out there on the nerd spectrum, too. But with ordinary folks carrying camera-enabled smartphones, e-mailing their way through work, and socializing through status updates, brace yourself for e-memory to arrive in your life.

New iPod Nano will record video, voice, and steps

Apple has announced a new tool for Total Recall recording: a version of the iPod Nano with video recording, voice recording, and a pedometer. Now all those kids listening to music will also be able to add to their lifelogs. Of course, many cell phones already record video and voice, and can even log your location with GPS. What's next? Maybe some biometric logging, a la bodybugg?

Video of Nano announcement

iPod Nano features page

Kirkus review of Total Recall

"An enthusiastic account of the near future when we will be able to record every minute of our lives. Readers may be suspicious that a book introduced by Bill Gates and authored by two of his senior researchers is merely promotional material for a new Microsoft product, but they will come away convinced that the authors are on to something.

...Proclamations of the next digital revolution are plentiful, but this cheerful description of another is persuasive and intriguing."

Full review (subscription required)

Business Week covers Total Recall

"In an engaging new book, Total Recall, which Bell wrote with colleague Jim Gemmell, he argues that growing numbers of us—strange though it may sound—will soon be following his lead"

"For most people, the last week or two occupies most of the memories, with much of the past largely fading from our minds. Entire months, or even years, can be reduced to a few dinners, trips, or songs. But a record such as Bell's brings back every hour and every encounter."

The Web version has a nice video, too.

Total Recall on Youtube

Devin Henkel and Adam Yencho of Diamond Consulting have created some supurb documentary-style video clips about Total Recall.

There are four clips totalling about a dozen minutes - check them out!