http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2014/08/19/bitbeat-shift-hits-accelerator-bitcoin-recovers-from-flash-crash/Shift marks the latest effort in the bitcoin industry to expand the avenues through which people can spend their bitcoins. The firm was founded by Meg Nakamura and Greg Kidd, and the idea is simple: to produce a debit card that links all of a user’s bank accounts, whether it’s for cryptocurrency or with a traditional bank, making those funds available to spend virtually anywhere. The company is currently running a beta program with 100 cards. The user opens up an account, which allows them to link to wallet services like Coinbase, as well as loyalty programs, and, eventually, traditional banks.