2006SEP140756
3gpg
Another third generation, pg funded site, service has launched. Interesting things to note for the USD$6K invested:
*memorable domain name
*aimed at growing market (mobile phone)
*novel idea (visualise comms)
*secure login (from front page?)
*mapping of localised areas
*social software (dunbar aware)
*gateway (web, telephony)
*phone service provider dependent (boost)
*vc funded (Sequoia Capital, New Enterprise Associates)
Impression
Now what do you make of it? Don't have a mobile phone, don't live in the US ...
Carriers like data, not churn
Well the company is aimed at a growing market segment. It has aligned itself with carriers and has vc funding. The site works at least. But until I'd use it I'll never know. It must have the chicken & the egg problem of you need your friends to use it to make it work. And given the market its possible this could cause a boost in numbers. But the market they are aiming is really flushed with cash right? But here's where the carriers come in. If you align with carriers and they direct their clients, you can mint money right?
Well carriers like to tout features like certain operating system companies and application developers. So what makes it likely 2 big companies are going to sign up without demanding exclusive rights?
Social software subtlty
One thing I do like is they seem to be aware of the minefield of ...
'... I like talking to him, but not her, today. ...'
But will it be as subtle as people require. Hang on why is fred not at the resturant? Is it because he's late? Or calling from home, faking I missed my lift? Now is Fred likely to want everyone he's at another resturant and doesn't want to go? With this service you will see he is not where he states he is! Something Fred may not be comfortable with. Even if there is a silent or block activated the lack of information may say more than being visible.
Mapping
Also the mapping. Tech companies are now getting into areas they really don't understand with mapping.
[expand why]
Being critical?, no.
Not really. Of the companies lauched this one hits a focused growing area, they have capital and are really treading where other startups cannot easily go. In order to do business not only do they have to understand web tech & business they have to master additional skills
*The mapping licensing requires legally setup company + funds.
*The telephony requires unique skills in order to join up with carriers.
-tech experience
-business contacts
*social side requires deep uderstanding of social problem
-dunbar #, etc.
So of all the companies pg is funding this one certainly a good bet. Now lets see how they spend the marketing dollars to gain users before the VS's get greedy.
[add links]
2006SEP140756
3gpg
Another third generation, pg funded site, service has launched. Interesting things to note for the USD$6K invested:
*memorable domain name
*aimed at growing market (mobile phone)
*novel idea (visualise comms)
*secure login (from front page?)
*mapping of localised areas
*social software (dunbar aware)
*gateway (web, telephony)
*phone service provider dependent (boost)
*vc funded (Sequoia Capital, New Enterprise Associates)
Impression
Now what do you make of it? Don't have a mobile phone, don't live in the US ...
Carriers like data, not churn
Well the company is aimed at a growing market segment. It has aligned itself with carriers and has vc funding. The site works at least. But until I'd use it I'll never know. It must have the chicken & the egg problem of you need your friends to use it to make it work. And given the market its possible this could cause a boost in numbers. But the market they are aiming is really flushed with cash right? But here's where the carriers come in. If you align with carriers and they direct their clients, you can mint money right?
Well carriers like to tout features like certain operating system companies and application developers. So what makes it likely 2 big companies are going to sign up without demanding exclusive rights?
Social software subtlty
One thing I do like is they seem to be aware of the minefield of ...
'... I like talking to him, but not her, today. ...'
But will it be as subtle as people require. Hang on why is fred not at the resturant? Is it because he's late? Or calling from home, faking I missed my lift? Now is Fred likely to want everyone he's at another resturant and doesn't want to go? With this service you will see he is not where he states he is! Something Fred may not be comfortable with. Even if there is a silent or block activated the lack of information may say more than being visible.
Mapping
Also the mapping. Tech companies are now getting into areas they really don't understand with mapping.
[expand why]
Being critical?, no.
Not really. Of the companies lauched this one hits a focused growing area, they have capital and are really treading where other startups cannot easily go. In order to do business not only do they have to understand web tech & business they have to master additional skills
*The mapping licensing requires legally setup company + funds.
*The telephony requires unique skills in order to join up with carriers.
-tech experience
-business contacts
*social side requires deep uderstanding of social problem
-dunbar #, etc.
So of all the companies pg is funding this one certainly a good bet. Now lets see how they spend the marketing dollars to gain users before the VS's get greedy.
[add links]