So what is M2M and where can those routers be used (besides a dog food plate)?
M2M is a way to provide an on demand connection without people operating it. It can be used for temperature sensors that need to 'call home' and report about current readings or for ATM machines that need to validate credentials.
Its not new but Cisco did not have a device that could do it over multiple connections (3G, wifi, wired), at that price level and with a hardened option.
Besides, its a cool video :)