Web
Social Consolidation
Jan 17th
I have been thinking about Social Consolidation these past few days, following a conversation on Facebook. There are several projects in development which strive to gather all the information and communication streams of several social networking sites and tools into one place. I first began to think about this when I was irritated about having to update my profile picture at all the different sites and apps every time I thought I had a better image of my mug. Now, with Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Foursquare, Yelp, etc. it’s becoming more and more of a chore to keep track of information and people.
I also see these sites and apps taking on more and more ideas of one another. Latest is Yelp adding a “Check in” function to their iPhone app, basically competing with Foursquare. Then I think about the fact that Yelp canceled their deal with Google. What are they planning? Or could another party have a better offer and be more suited? Could Facebook be interested?
Could there be a social consolidation wave coming? Where Facebook will go on a buying spree and thereby add more social functionality and consolidate the information stream? Or will they buy one of the social consolidation apps and provide a concentrated place for all your streams?
Social Consolidation Projects
Threadsy
Raindrop
First online court in the Netherlands online
Jan 11th
After two months of hard work we launched our biggest project to date today. e-Court is the first online court in the Netherlands. It’s a complete web-based solution to resolve your legal dispute (monetary claims mainly). Within 8 weeks and for a fraction of the cost of a regular court process, you can come to a conclusion, provided in a legal binding document. With a simple sign up, verification and invitation to the other party involved you start the process after which the site will guide both parties and the judge through the proceedings on a week to week basis. From sign up, payment, case files and verdict, it’s all done online. There is an option to have a hearing, where all parties involved can meet each-other during the process at a location chosen by the judge.
All in all this is our most ambitious project yet and we look forward to making it even better and helping it evolve over time.
Nexus One launched
Jan 5th
Google launched it’s first Google branded phone today, the Nexus One. It looks like a great product and should be the start of the next generation of smart phones. One feature that I can see setting this phone apart from other smart phones is its voice feature (see video below). They’ve implemented this very nicely and it should be a valuable addition to making this and future smartphones a truly smart and multifunctional tool. As always, I’m looking forward to Apple’s answer at the end of the month (the iSlate?) and their next generation iPhone later this year.
More Nexus One Videos
Nexus One Official Site
Information overload?
Dec 9th
An interesting report came out today, titled “How much information?”, by the Global Information Industry of the UCSD. It’s clear from their findings that the average American is taking in a tremendous amount of information each and every day. And that will only become more, with more and better access to the web through better connections and applications, at home, at work, everywhere really.
Some numbers:
- The average American consumes 34 gigabytes of data per day
- Americans consume information 12 hours per day on average
- Americans spend on average 2 hours per day on their computer
Questions that spring to mind are: How much is too much? What does the average American do with that information? Does the average American need all that information? Could the average American do something better with their time than taking in all that information? Will there be a point in time that there’s an occurrence of information overload? Hope to find some answers…
Read the report (via CrunchGear)
Google Chrome Extensions Gallery is now live
Dec 8th
Right after releasing the Google Chrome browser for the OS X platform, Google opened the doors to the Browser’s Extension Gallery. Too bad us Mac users can’t use these extensions yet. For you windows users, have a look and see if there’s something useful you can add to your browsing experience. It’s another step in the direction of the Browser as OS.
Google Chrome for Mac is out (Beta)
Dec 8th
Google finally released its (beta) Mac version of the Chrome browser. It’s still lacking some features that can be found in the Windows version, like the extensions. But you should be able to use it without too many problems. But remember, it’s Beta.
Download Google Chrome for Mac (Beta)
Google adding new capabilities to mobile search
Dec 7th
TechCrunch reports from Google’s News Event, held today in Mountainview, CA. Some interesting new capabilities are added to their mobile search platform. It all combines well with my earlier thought about gadget consolidation. Google will be adding more voice, location and sight functionality to it’s mobile search apps. For a complete rundown of these new features, head on over to TechCrunch. I wonder what Apple is working on in this area, or if they’ll let Google run the search and suggestion apps on their phones? Nah…
Google rethinks search on the go (TechCrunch)
Apple goes streaming? [Update - Apple goes streaming, buys Lala]
Dec 5th
Another step towards streaming media anywhere, everywhere; Apple possibly taking over Streaming Music Pay-to-Stream site Lala.
Apple Reportedly In Talks To Acquire Lala (TechCrunch)
[Update]
Seems the rumor was true.
Apple has acquired Lala (TechCrunch)
MOG launches, more streaming media goodness
Dec 2nd
Today another Online Music Service is launched, MOG. It’s an integrated social network streaming service with a library of songs from all major labels. I hope to be able to give it a try soon.
MOG Launches All Access, Sets New Standard For Online Music (TechCruch)
Streaming media is the way to go
Dec 2nd
It’s great to see this report by Global Web Index analyzed on TechCrunch. Streaming media is the future, either on your Mac or PC, your phone or TV, it’s where you want it, when you want it. No need for large storage space or a physical copy. You just need enough bandwidth and processing power to render HD content. If only the publishers of content would get it through their thick skulls and find innovative ways to make money off of streaming their work, instead of wasting their energy on going after piracy.
More Research To Back The Notion That Streaming Kills Piracy (TechCrunch)