Since the WIFI network was not working for the first hour of DEMO, I am going
to push posts and pictures whenever I have connectivity. Here are a few comments about
companies demo’ing this morning:
- Moobella: on-demand Linux-based remixable mashup’ed ice cream. I need to
taste the final product when I visit the tent but the idea of a retail machine
producing the ice cream you want in less than a minute is pretty interesting.
First field tests coming in Chicago in 2006, and fund raising for retail
deployment. - Blurb: On-demand book printing, similar to Qoop.
- Bones-in-Motion: cell phone-based system enabling runners/cyclers to track
mileage, route and speed (thanks to GPS chip), as well as calories burnt… This
data can be uploaded on a Web site (bimactive.com) to get more user friendly
stats and details. Available via Sprint for $9.99/mth. - MP3Car: Platform allowing car manufacturers to integrate PCs in cars, and
allow 3rd party applications/devices to be connected: StreetDeck replaces the
radio in the trunk, and is managed by a tablet-like UI – with a custom interface
that minimizes user interaction to drive playlist, CD selections, etc. - Digismart: miniature projection systems (go aussies) allowing you to display
11×17 images (from 3 feet) from a cell phone, PD3, MP3 players, etc. Raising
$9.7M for development and deployment. - Accomplice Software: networked todo list management with a few clever
functionality – including the ability to store the application and related data
on a USB key (note to self: go check that) - Grassroots Software: presents FreePath, a next generation multimedia
presentation solution that integrates PowerPoint. The idea is to integrate
audio, video, text, PPT in FreePath as opposed to embedding audio and video in
PowerPoint. Will ship in 2 weeks for a retail price of $249. - Network Streaming: support desk product that allows tech support reps to
remote control customer desktops and analyze/fix issues. Network Streaming
downloads a small applet in a few seconds that – once authorized – allows the
rep to take over the PC. - Interprise Software: Web-based CRM/ERP application suite. Connectivity,
Integration, Great Value. Blah. - TinyPictures: CEO John Poisson introduces Radar, an application allowing
users to share pictures with their friends from their mobile phones. It is an
application that runs on “standard” Java-enabled camera phones. Based on a
comment from the presenters, it sounds like MDV funded these guys. - Ugobe: developer of “life form” robots, in this case Pleo – a dinosaur robot
that interacts with its environment based on a number of sensors (like bitting
the finger of his inventor). REALLY cool, I know that my kids will get crazy on
this one given how much fun they have playing with the R2D2 and our Roomba. - Zingee: online sharing tool of files and folders
- GarageBand: GPal – creates smart playlists, share one’s taste, and find new
music based one’s selection – yet another solution for Music recommendations
? - Multiverse Network: Interactive Entertainment Network of virtual worlds,
allowing game developers to design, develop and distribute their own virtual
world application. The typical MMOG costs $10M to develop ($55M for the world’s
largest: World of Warcraft). The company will also offer distribution and
monetization to game developers (long tail MMOG’s ?). - CNET demonstrates Intelligent Cross-sale Channel, a new channel
cross-selling solution for e-tailers. - GuardID Systems: showing ID Vault, a solution protecting online consumers
against phishing and other sources of id thefts (password grabbers, key loggers,
etc.). ID Vault is a USB Key that stores all bank/ecommerce/… accounts IDs and
passwords. Will retail for $50 at the end of March 2006. - BiggerBoat: Entertainment-focused vertical search engine – focuses on
quality and accuracy of results, and makes sure to provide immediate access to
shopping information/comparison for movie and event tickets, CDs, DVDs, etc. At
least the monetization is clear and proven.
Most impressive demo this morning: Ugobe.