Staff Picks: Seer Android, Good Infographics, The Boombox Project, ThisMoment, & More
Tristan
What if Twitter and Facebook had a baby? The resulting child would be thismoment. Launched on Monday, the site offers users the possibility to create profiles centered-around what is happening to them now, in this moment. The interface is very sleek, and offers youtube, flickr, and facebook uploading amongst others. The site is obviously mobile friendly and you can just upload a pic by emailing it or using the dedicated iPhone app. With the sales of the iPhone 3G S through the roof, recent related data on Youtube usage, I am betting that thismoment is going to be huge in 2009.
Andrea D.
I know that when I make travel plans, I want to share them with all of my 500 Facebook friends immediately!... Ok, not really... but if you're someone who can't resist updating your status the second the flight confirmation hits your inbox, Tripeedo.com might be your new best friend. The site works like other aggregate travel websites (think Kayak or Orbi
tz) but takes your trip viral via Facebook Connect. It might not be the most practical website out there, but it eliminates the additional step in declaring your awesomeness to the masses. And when your reputation for jet-setting is top priority, what could be more important? Other than, you know, the trip itself...
Laura
I’m almost inclined to keep this one secret, but alas, my benevolence knows no bounds. You’re welcome. Let me put it this way: Photographer Lyle Owerko and handheld device skin retailer GelaSkin sittin’ in a tree…c.o.l.l.a.b.o.r.a.t.i.n.g! Dubbed “The Boombox Project,” the iPod, iPhone and laptop skins of this collection bear images of the iconic ghetto blaster. I could attempt to draw meaning from this tech dichotomy, but really, this is just really freaking cool. I look forward to carrying my laptop on my shoulder.
Valerie
I learned of this social networking site for runners recently and was intrigued. I've cheered on my dad (an “ultramarathoner” before the term even existed) and friends -- as well as many complete strangers -- as they've run races over the years (my favorites so far: the New York City Marathon and Marine Corps Marathon in DC). Racevine right now is very basic, offering only the reviews that members have posted about various races, mostly marathons and half marathons. To grow its community as well as its utility, the site should allow for the creation of groups, for example, those who are training for this year’s London Marathon. I’d also love for the site to offer training and gear recommendations. These too, like the reviews, could be crowdsourced. Of course for those of us who are inspired by cheering on marathoners, but have only, and probably will only, run far shorter races themselves, I’d love to see some reviews from and/or tips for those of us on the sidelines.
Allison
I am fascinated by infographics, the data visualization meets digital art that Jeremy wrote about earlier this year. Some of the best I’ve seen have been from Good magazine—a publication that thoroughly understands that web journalism will be driven more by compelling visuals than lengthy text, and that those visuals need to impact rich information in a glance. Thus I was excited to learn that they now have an archive of the infographics from their “Transparency” feature on Flickr. For example, here’s a great one on the money spent on advertising.
Chris
Seer Android
Interesting to see how one sport completely misses an opportunity while another embraces technology. The NBA Draft came and went without any new mobile fan engagement beyond alerts when teams select a player. Meanwhile, Wimbledon is here and doing some really cool stuff. The All England Lawn Tennis Club and IBM developed a mobile application designed to transform how fans view live information and keep up with the action at Wimbledon 2009. From IBM's press release:
The Seer Android application features location-aware visualization technology developed for the T-Mobile G1. The augmented reality application acts as a real-time guide and map for tournament allowing users to see scores, stadium info, and even lines at the food stand. In addition, The Seer Aggregator is a downloadable Twitter app enabling fans to receive real-time 'tweets' about Wimbledon from different sources, including players, commentators and a team of IBM scouts at the event.
Mike
Riding the NYC subway this morning, I was crunched up against a sweaty businessman and a tourist's backpack. I used to adore Europeans, what happened there? Seeking a "get-away" cognitive experience, I broke out my mobile device to watch YouTube's daily video podcast. Now I'm captivated (nearly missing my stop) as I'm standing their clutching a nasty subway pole with one arm and throwing out a "Tiger Woods" fist pump with the other as that DANG squirrel finally gets over the cement divider. Can I tell you how excited I am for the new iPhone video editing function? Mobile video uploads will be off the charts with the new feature. And yes, I'm submitting this wonderful moment to the Tiger Woods Fist Pump Challenge.
Reming
Feeling artsy, but not naturally artistically gifted? Check out Kinetic Sketch, a cool website that combines art tools with physics simulations. The website features a drawing tool that allows you to create different shapes in colors and by controlling how the shapes interact with each other you can create your own masterpiece. You can even suspend reality and adjust the gravity level. Create away!
Jeremy
Video Interview with Adobe's Director of Technology
Between Web TV aggregators like Boxee, the success of Hulu and mainstream services like AT&T's U-verse, it's no surprise that the future of television is becoming an interactive, web-based experience. Further driving this point home is this insightful video interview with Adobe's Anup Muraka, Director of Technology, Strategy and Partner Development. The segment breaks down some new ways Adobe is using their Flash language to bring the interactive experience of the web to the TV experience, including video on demand, video self-publishing and casual gaming. Laptop vs. plasma TV cage match coming soon!
