Mobile phone camera app reads more than bar codes
Posted on 27. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
There’s been a lot of talk about mobile phone applications that read barcodes using built in cameras to deliver instant offers, product information and many other interactions.
Skuair, a new cell phone application developed by Daem Interactive works with any mobile phone camera reads not only barcode lines and numbers but can read product logos or images. Take a picture of an ad or logo and their robust image recognition server returns associated content. They are currently working on a user generated content feature.
Microblogging sites make content more relevant
Posted on 22. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
Since the popularity of Twitter microblogging sites have been taking off. New sites like Pownce and Tumblr have added functionality so that users can post not only about what they are doing right now but also post video, audio, events and other more structured content. So why are these sites so becoming so popular even addictive for some of us?
One reason is that they help us experience more relevant content on the web. The major aggregators of content typically have so much content that its difficult to effectively identify what content you want to see. The recent comScore study suggests “heavy clickers” distort reality of display advertising. In the same way it distorts what is presented as “most popular” on sites like YouTube. The ”heavy clickers” most likely aren’t people that are ‘like’ you.
5 Steps to optimizing your website’s click-through rates with Google’s Website Optimizer
Posted on 21. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
If you could change a headline, graphic, or promotional text on your website and increase click-through or conversion rates, would you do it? Of course you would. However, knowing what to change can be a challenge. Even more challenging is tracking which changes have the most effect. This was a daunting task, until now. Google’s Website Optimizer gives you the ability to make changes that create alternative layouts on your site. You are then able to track site visitor’s actions from one page to another based on the different scenarios you created. For instance, if you wanted to see if changing a certain graphic increased conversion rates, you could set the Optimizer to change from the original graphic to the new graphic and then track the different layouts to see which one has the better success.
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Using social bookmarking sites as a marketing tool
Posted on 20. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
If you are promoting a blog or website you can make use of the various social bookmarking sites. After all the word ‘social’ tends to make you think of anythi
ng other than online business issues, as it doesn’t really give a fair representation of what these sites actually do.
But if you are not taking advantage of them you are missing a valuable – and free – trick that you can put to good use as a marketing tool.
Sites such as Stumble Upon, Digg and del.icio.us make it easy to share the latest advances and additions to your website with the world at large, and they can provide a good stream of traffic once you know how to use them properly.
Second Life for distance learning
Posted on 18. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
When I was reviewing the Justin Timberlake concert on Comcastic Island by One to One Interactive I was of the opinion that Second Life was a destination for brand sensationalism and odd geeky people. Then I attended the MIT Emerging Technology Conference where the sessions where simultaneously viewed by Second Life members; and the Q&A included the virtual audience.
The early value proposition of distance learning was that an event like this could cost thousands for travel and admission fees not to mention the time and productivity cost. The challenge was to develop content compelling enough to create meaningful learning experiences without the social aspect of the traditional physical learning environment. Second Life provides a distance learning experience that maintains the social interactions.
Stanford’s Social e-Challenge puts social media to work for good
Posted on 18. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
Social E-Challenge is a business plan competition that promotes the 
creation of social ventures that use entrepreneurial tools to effect social change. Participants range from for-profit businesses with strong social responsibility to nonprofit’s with sustainable revenue generation models. The common denominator is that by being successful, these companies have a positive impact in our society and the environment.
Web 2.0 meets Funding 2.0
Posted on 16. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
Spigit is a newly launched community that aims to provide a network of support for start-ups and their founders – the Entrepreneur Challenge. The simulation engine provided by spigit is a way to sort of test out your idea. The simulation runs through three stage where approval badges are awarded for things like buzz percentile, number of views, and expert approval. Completion badges are awarded at the end of each stage, enabling ideas to graduate to the next level. Several data points are considered for the simulation engine, including the tracking of dynamic interaction on the site. Spigit’s simulation benefits carry over into the virtual stock market as well, where “spigits” can be traded to determine the market value of a particular idea. 6 Top Companies will meet with Keiretsu SoCal; 1 will be selected to present to Keiretsu Investors for Funding Opportunities. (more…)
BitGravity superior for delivering HD video and rich media apps
Posted on 11. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
Analysts expect nearly 200% growth of the $800 million content delivery network (CDN) market in 2008. The highly competitive companies trailing behind industry leader Akamai, includes Limelight, Mirror Image, Itiva and Grid Networks. Companies are looking for ways to differentiate themselves in the highly competite market.
Enter BitGravity with their game changing architecture designed specifically for the challenge of delivering more immersive bandwidth intensive applications. The BitGravity progressive download technology allows high-definition video video to play with hardly any download time and minimal choppiness. It also allows you to jump around the video with hardly any latency.
SaaS – can it provide legal IP protection?
Posted on 04. Feb, 2008 by Dean Whitney in Uncategorized and has 0 Comments
I have been using Google Docs lately for writing and ideation. I’ve written a few executive summaries, some business concepts, have been working on a book all using Google’s browser-based authoring environment. I have also used Google Spreadsheets do conduct some financial projections, model scenarios and track expenses.
Recently I contemplated sending an executive summary to an acquaintance that is a well-known venture capitalist. Of course I think its an amazing idea worth billions so before I hit send I’m starting to worry that the firm will just steal my idea. I don’t have an NDA or any legal documentation around the idea. What happen’s if the VC steals my fantastic idea?
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