Early thoughts from the opening session
The first 15 companies demonstrated this morning, all focusing on innovation in different areas, from university research searches (Kauffman Innovation Network) to mobile augmented reality (Total Immersion).
1) The ZINK demonstration was probably the most visual, as they were able to show off their ink-less printing system within the six minutes, and also show how the prints created on their mobile device was water-resistant by dipping it in a bowl of water (just try that with an inkjet print). The company name is perfect too – add a Z for Zero to INK and you get ZINK. New applications include embedded printers in digital cameras and mobile phones, coming later this year. This reminds me of instant photos (think Polaroid), but entering the digital camera age. This is a company to watch.
2) Shipwire.com allows businesses to become instant global companies through a unique Web site and service that involves gathering products, sending them to warehouses and then using a shipping distribution system that connects buyers to products quickly and easily. I’m intrigued – I wonder if I can start importing potato chips from around the world.
3) QTech’s reQall service turns any phone into a digital task reminder system – if you have a hard time remembering all those great ideas you get during the day – whether it’s a shopping list or a proposal idea for work, you can call into this system and have the messages played back for you later.
4) The Eyejot demonstration was cool too – the company lets you send video instant messages to friends and family via your webcam, but also lets you view the messages through an iTunes feed or even a video iPod.
5) Total Immersion, which wowed the crowd at DEMO 2004 (veterans will remember they did the “Chris Shipley” in a virtual helicopter thing), came back as the last demonstrator in the early session. They hung tough through a couple of early glitches, but then showed off their “mobile augmented reality” technology that really blurs the line between what’s real and what’s not. It was an impressive demonstration once it starts working, this is a definite “must see” at the exhibit pavilion and video later.
Off to the pavilion – if you have any comments from the opening session or any of the companies here, be sure to add to the discussion.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:44 pm
I thought the Kauffman Innovation Network DEMO wasn’t memorable just because it was the first demo, but because this business has apparently been successful in tapping into the collective knowledge and resources of universities with the most up to date information and research studies about healthcare. This can be used on the personal level (for our ailing healthcare system) or on a professional level for health care providers.
Bravo!!
Sharon Anderson-Morris
Director, SNS Programs
Strategic News Service
sam@tapsns.com
futureinreview.com
January 31st, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Total Immersion: bad luck! Video sync issue at the final regie was the cause of the “glitches” not due to D’Fusion. Replay of the demo for new recording was great, and the posted video on the web should be great ! Congratulations to all of you for your terrific techno!
January 31st, 2007 at 4:40 pm
While Honeypitch’s offering was interesting, the presenter doing the DEMO presentation looked sloppy and disheveled, almost like he just got out of bed.
He should have let his co-presenter do the pitch instead, as she came across more credible and professional than he did.
You’ve only got 6 minutes - make the most of it!
January 31st, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Barry Bonds did the Bling cameo on the day after his $15M + contract was negated by MLB. Now that was a highlight. Did anyone bother to let him know that the revised documents were at his agents office?
Maybe bonds should employ Terry McAuliffe, seeing he knows just about everyone in America. He can likely pull strings more effectively than his agent, Jeff Borris.
BTW…Hats off to McAuliffe and Steve Kettman with another NYT Top 5 Best Seller “What A Party!”
February 8th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Many great products but even with the glitches I still find Total Immersion a WOW!!!
February 12th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Regarding ZINK. I remember a technology called CYCOLOR in the mid 90’s, and it also had color ink embedded in the paper. It did not go anywhere because of high media cost, image impermanence, and the fact that the paper was not pure white–kind of gray I think. ZINC may be an entirely new technology, and certainly the usage in phones, small format cameras, etc is exciting. However, it would be worthwhile if ZINK described the differences between their technology and previous ones sych as CYCOLOR.