How well do you know your own physical world hyperlinks?
Each one of us has a few natural form physical world hyperlinks (PWH). A PWH is some machine readable identifier that when scanned and matched up in a database on the Internet, identifies a specific person, or object.
When an item is scanned and identified in a supermarket, that is a closed from of physical world connection. The magnetic strip on your credit card or license is a physical world hyperlink.
Soon instead of just a 1D barcode, there will be other PWHs (2D code, QR code, RFID tag) on physical objects that will allow mobile phones to scan, identify from a universal database, and retrieve information from the Net.
There's a good chance at least 2 of your own PWH are already in a database and being used.
This is one example of a natural physical world hyperlink.
Use another natural physical world hyperlink to pay for your groceries.
There is at least one man-made physical world hyperlink and these guys are developing it.
The biggest, and the most identifiable, will eventually have multiple machine readable identifiers for it. Know what it is?
The "Internet of Things" doesn't just include inanimate objects.
The Next Generation of the Net, or Phase 2, is when every object has a dial tone and can be connected to the Internet. The mobile phone and other devices will provide the dial tone, but the fun will be in identifying the hyperlink.
So do you know how many PWH you have?
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Pondering Primate Predictions For 2007
Predictions, ponderings or maybe just pontifications?
Here are some of my thoughts on what I think, (throw in a little hope), will happen for the coming New Year.
By this time next year:
1. SMS Portal
A clear SMS portal emerges. Like Google has established itself as "the" search engine for the PC, there will be a "find" engine for the mobile. Subsequently, the "shortcode" takes on a greater role for ALL forms of advertising.
2. 2D Code Service
Google or Yahoo (maybe even AOL gets creative) introduces a 2d code (QR code) generating application and finds a way to monetize it's use.
3. Apple Phone
The Apple Phone debuts and Apple creates a mobile marketing powerhouse.
4. Buyout
Somebody buys this company out. In my opinion, they could play a big role in the Next Generation of the Net.
5. New PWC Player
A new physical world connection player with a powerful platform gets added to the list .
6. Wireless Carrier adopts PWC
At least one of the U.S. Physical World Connection players gets their platform adopted by a major carrier. This one really isn't a prediction because I know this to be true shortly.
7. A PWC Buyout
At least two companies on the Physical World Connection list get bought out.
8. Venture Capitalists Target PWC
The "Internet of Things", or Physical World Connection becomes the next hot area for VC money.
9. Google Phone
By this time next year, the buzz will be about the upcoming Google Phone and at least one US carrier will be offering it. There will be screen shots, and leaks about the applications on it that will have the tech world awaiting its arrival.
And the "it could happen" one for the year....
10. Microsoft buys Yahoo
In an effort to take on Google, Microsoft buys Yahoo.
Which one(s) are likely, and which ones are pie in the sky?
Here are some of my thoughts on what I think, (throw in a little hope), will happen for the coming New Year.
By this time next year:
1. SMS Portal
A clear SMS portal emerges. Like Google has established itself as "the" search engine for the PC, there will be a "find" engine for the mobile. Subsequently, the "shortcode" takes on a greater role for ALL forms of advertising.
2. 2D Code Service
Google or Yahoo (maybe even AOL gets creative) introduces a 2d code (QR code) generating application and finds a way to monetize it's use.
3. Apple Phone
The Apple Phone debuts and Apple creates a mobile marketing powerhouse.
4. Buyout
Somebody buys this company out. In my opinion, they could play a big role in the Next Generation of the Net.
5. New PWC Player
A new physical world connection player with a powerful platform gets added to the list .
6. Wireless Carrier adopts PWC
At least one of the U.S. Physical World Connection players gets their platform adopted by a major carrier. This one really isn't a prediction because I know this to be true shortly.
7. A PWC Buyout
At least two companies on the Physical World Connection list get bought out.
8. Venture Capitalists Target PWC
The "Internet of Things", or Physical World Connection becomes the next hot area for VC money.
9. Google Phone
By this time next year, the buzz will be about the upcoming Google Phone and at least one US carrier will be offering it. There will be screen shots, and leaks about the applications on it that will have the tech world awaiting its arrival.
And the "it could happen" one for the year....
10. Microsoft buys Yahoo
In an effort to take on Google, Microsoft buys Yahoo.
Which one(s) are likely, and which ones are pie in the sky?
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
GPS Meets RFID
Combine a physical world hyperlink (RFID tag) with location based services (GPS) and some powerful physical world connection possibilities arise.
Imagine what happens when mobile phones can scan an RFID tag.
From Engadget Fujitsu unveils GPS receiver with integrated RFID tag
While we've got both GPS receivers and RFID tags handling very important duties around the world, Fujitsu has gone and unveiled a GPS unit with built-in RFID capabilities to provide the best of both worlds.
The Tag Locator V2 sports the locating abilities we've come to know and love, promising accurate longitude / latitude measurements between "three and five meters, and bundles in an active RFID tag that operates on the 429MHz frequency band. Once the GPS receiver beams out the location data, the device then communicates the RFID information via "a unique ID," and can purportedly channel its data to any reader within 200 meters.
Designed primarily to provide constant streams of precise data in airports, garages, and other locales that manage a plethora of equipment / vehicles (or lucrative PS3 boxes), the units should hit shipyards soon at ¥20,000 ($169) a pop.
Imagine what happens when mobile phones can scan an RFID tag.
From Engadget Fujitsu unveils GPS receiver with integrated RFID tag
While we've got both GPS receivers and RFID tags handling very important duties around the world, Fujitsu has gone and unveiled a GPS unit with built-in RFID capabilities to provide the best of both worlds.
The Tag Locator V2 sports the locating abilities we've come to know and love, promising accurate longitude / latitude measurements between "three and five meters, and bundles in an active RFID tag that operates on the 429MHz frequency band. Once the GPS receiver beams out the location data, the device then communicates the RFID information via "a unique ID," and can purportedly channel its data to any reader within 200 meters.
Designed primarily to provide constant streams of precise data in airports, garages, and other locales that manage a plethora of equipment / vehicles (or lucrative PS3 boxes), the units should hit shipyards soon at ¥20,000 ($169) a pop.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Microsoft's Don Dodge Picks Scanbuy As A Company To Watch In 2007
When Microsoft identifies a physical world connection player, as a company to watch in a multi billion dollar opportunity, that can only mean good things for this space. 
A couple years ago I introduced Robert Scoble, Microsoft's Chief Evangelist, to the concept of physical world connection and after a live demonstration, he called it "the next killer app". Today the Head of Biz Dev at Microsoft files it under "the Next Big Thing".
I dont think there's any doubt thatPhysical World Connection is coming.
Don Dodge, Director of Business Development for Microsoft's Emerging Business Team has put together his list of 2007 Predictions for Web and Software on his blog called "The Next Big Thing"
He considers "Mobile Web" as one of the top 5 hot areas and under "Mobile Search", a multi billion dollar opportunity, Don suggests ScanBuy as a company to watch.
Scanbuy just recently completed a $9m raise from Longworth. Masthead and Hudson.
It doesn't hurt that they have the previous CEO of barnesandnoble.com steering the ship either.
Microsoft is recognizing the potential for Scanbuy's applications but is Google already looking at Scanbuy?
I will be posting my physical world connection predictions for 2007 shortly.
A couple years ago I introduced Robert Scoble, Microsoft's Chief Evangelist, to the concept of physical world connection and after a live demonstration, he called it "the next killer app". Today the Head of Biz Dev at Microsoft files it under "the Next Big Thing".
I dont think there's any doubt thatPhysical World Connection is coming.
Don Dodge, Director of Business Development for Microsoft's Emerging Business Team has put together his list of 2007 Predictions for Web and Software on his blog called "The Next Big Thing"
He considers "Mobile Web" as one of the top 5 hot areas and under "Mobile Search", a multi billion dollar opportunity, Don suggests ScanBuy as a company to watch.
Scanbuy just recently completed a $9m raise from Longworth. Masthead and Hudson.
It doesn't hurt that they have the previous CEO of barnesandnoble.com steering the ship either.
Microsoft is recognizing the potential for Scanbuy's applications but is Google already looking at Scanbuy?
I will be posting my physical world connection predictions for 2007 shortly.
Cellit Offers Interactive Theater Text Message Service
What a great idea. Why not use the captive audience at a movie theater to introduce a text message campaign?
Cellit, LLC announced today its landmark agreement with Cinema Screen Media, LLC (CSM) to provide mobile marketing services to CSM’s clients.
CSM’s on-screen advertisers will now be able to incorporate text messaging features into their pre-movie slideshow display, creating innovative, interactive promotions. CSM will start offering these services in the Phoenix metro area, while planning for a national roll-out.
Using Cellit’s technology, moviegoers can interact with specific promotions showcased in the pre-movie slideshow. By texting the advertiser’s selected keyword to a special 5-digit phone number included in the pre-movie slideshow, the audience can obtain additional product information, text their vote on a topic, or participate in games and contests.
The advertiser can also better understand advertising effectiveness through using different “text in” keywords in different theaters or in different ads.
Two questions I have.
Is there a strong enough cell signal in most theaters for this to work. (Did they test strength?)
How do they make sure response text messages aren't sent during the movie?
Cellit, LLC announced today its landmark agreement with Cinema Screen Media, LLC (CSM) to provide mobile marketing services to CSM’s clients.
CSM’s on-screen advertisers will now be able to incorporate text messaging features into their pre-movie slideshow display, creating innovative, interactive promotions. CSM will start offering these services in the Phoenix metro area, while planning for a national roll-out.
Using Cellit’s technology, moviegoers can interact with specific promotions showcased in the pre-movie slideshow. By texting the advertiser’s selected keyword to a special 5-digit phone number included in the pre-movie slideshow, the audience can obtain additional product information, text their vote on a topic, or participate in games and contests.
The advertiser can also better understand advertising effectiveness through using different “text in” keywords in different theaters or in different ads.
Two questions I have.
Is there a strong enough cell signal in most theaters for this to work. (Did they test strength?)
How do they make sure response text messages aren't sent during the movie?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
"Internet Of Things" Coming Of Age
From ARNnet RFID Market Comes Of Age
The RFID market has passed through the hype stage and is now coming of age in the channel, according to a Victorian pioneer in the technology.
"The real opportunity in the channel is around asset management because it's a closed system," Unique Micro Design's Geoffrey Ramadan said. "Supply chain, meanwhile, has a more collaborative nature and you really need a mandate to push it through the supply chain.
"The mobile phone is converging into a general access terminal and there are a number of new compact devices coming out with bar-coding, GPRS, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that are going to be very versatile."
Ramadan predicted 2007 would be the year of mobility and ubiquitous computing and that RFID would take on a significant role.
The RFID market has passed through the hype stage and is now coming of age in the channel, according to a Victorian pioneer in the technology.
"The real opportunity in the channel is around asset management because it's a closed system," Unique Micro Design's Geoffrey Ramadan said. "Supply chain, meanwhile, has a more collaborative nature and you really need a mandate to push it through the supply chain.
"The mobile phone is converging into a general access terminal and there are a number of new compact devices coming out with bar-coding, GPRS, GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that are going to be very versatile."
Ramadan predicted 2007 would be the year of mobility and ubiquitous computing and that RFID would take on a significant role.
NearbyNow Offers Location Based Text Message Search
A great idea. A mall or shopping center has it's own short code and retailers buy keywords for location based search ideas. One specific shortcode provides the proximity function.
NearbyNow, Inc. today announced the availability of its new mobile search service that allows consumers to find any product, brand or sale in a shopping mall simply by sending a text message.
By typing their request into their mobile phone, consumers can easily find the nearest store that sells “skinny jeans” or “men’s shoes on sale”.
How does it work? Shoppers find out about the service via instructions posted on the mall directory and throughout the mall.
For example, at the Westfield Valley Fair mall, signs say “text ‘VF’ to the short code ‘NEARBY’ (632729) to search this mall for any product, brand, or sale.” Next, consumers can:
• Type in any brand or product to see which stories carry it. For example, “men’s shoes,” “Nike Air Jordans,” or “baby clothes on sale.”
• Get a reply with (1) how many stores carry the item, and (2) the 3-4 most popular matches.
• If a coupon is available, the shopper can get additional information about the coupon (and have the mall concierge print a copy).
• Included with shoppers’ search results are sponsored messages such as sale notifications and “blue light specials”.
This new mobile service extends NearbyNow’s existing "proximity search" capabilities, which make geographic areas – such as shopping malls – 100% searchable down to every product, brand, and service
NearbyNow, Inc. today announced the availability of its new mobile search service that allows consumers to find any product, brand or sale in a shopping mall simply by sending a text message.
By typing their request into their mobile phone, consumers can easily find the nearest store that sells “skinny jeans” or “men’s shoes on sale”.
How does it work? Shoppers find out about the service via instructions posted on the mall directory and throughout the mall.
For example, at the Westfield Valley Fair mall, signs say “text ‘VF’ to the short code ‘NEARBY’ (632729) to search this mall for any product, brand, or sale.” Next, consumers can:
• Type in any brand or product to see which stories carry it. For example, “men’s shoes,” “Nike Air Jordans,” or “baby clothes on sale.”
• Get a reply with (1) how many stores carry the item, and (2) the 3-4 most popular matches.
• If a coupon is available, the shopper can get additional information about the coupon (and have the mall concierge print a copy).
• Included with shoppers’ search results are sponsored messages such as sale notifications and “blue light specials”.
This new mobile service extends NearbyNow’s existing "proximity search" capabilities, which make geographic areas – such as shopping malls – 100% searchable down to every product, brand, and service
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mobot Gets Mobile Marketing MoMentum Back
It was called the Marketing Wedding of The Year by TelecomWeb, and Visionary Innovations played the key role in it.
From Mass. High Tech Sopranos help Mobot whack NeoMedia deal
After being acquired by Florida's NeoMedia Technologies Inc. for $10 million in cash and stock earlier in the year, the original founders of Mobot Inc. in Lexington bought the company back last week.
With the spinout completed, Mobot this week reports its mobile visual search and recognition technology will help power the new scavenger-hunt-style interactive game from A&E Television Network, called The Sopranos A&E Connection.
Financial terms of the A&E deal were not provided. But it represents the first breath of Mobot's new life after NeoMedia's failed attempts to parlay the technology into a driving force in mobile Internet applications as it had planned, according to NeoMedia.
Mobot executives say the whole process was a blessing in disguise, and they are ready to move on.
Interesting comment from Mobot's CEO.
"We're very fortunate to be in this position," said Russell Gocht. "The mobile market is expanding and the opportunities are growing, and we're free from the questions about our future. We're really rejuvenated."
From Mass. High Tech Sopranos help Mobot whack NeoMedia deal
After being acquired by Florida's NeoMedia Technologies Inc. for $10 million in cash and stock earlier in the year, the original founders of Mobot Inc. in Lexington bought the company back last week.
With the spinout completed, Mobot this week reports its mobile visual search and recognition technology will help power the new scavenger-hunt-style interactive game from A&E Television Network, called The Sopranos A&E Connection.
Financial terms of the A&E deal were not provided. But it represents the first breath of Mobot's new life after NeoMedia's failed attempts to parlay the technology into a driving force in mobile Internet applications as it had planned, according to NeoMedia.
Mobot executives say the whole process was a blessing in disguise, and they are ready to move on.
Interesting comment from Mobot's CEO.
"We're very fortunate to be in this position," said Russell Gocht. "The mobile market is expanding and the opportunities are growing, and we're free from the questions about our future. We're really rejuvenated."
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Google Phone....Or a Phone With Googol Possibilities?
Google is venturing into offering a mobile phone, can physical world connection be far behind?
Google recognizes one key thing, Mobile Search is really Mobile info
The Observer has a story about Google holding talks with Orange, the mobile phone operator, about a multi-billion-dollar partnership to create a 'Google phone'
It would have built-in Google software which would dramatically improve on the slow and cumbersome experience of surfing the web from a mobile handset.
Among the potential benefits are location-based searches: aware of your handset's geographical position.
Tony Cooper, a telecoms consultant at Deloitte, said: 'There are numerous situations in which people say "I wish I had Google in my hand",
What will Google Mobile look like?
Just some of the applications and revenue opportunities that will come with this device...
Google TALK
Google SMS Words
Google LINK
Google mobile marketing
Google mobile ads
Google mobile words
Google coupons
Google click-to-call
Google LBS
Google Moogle
Google QR Codes
How will Google make a googl with the Google Phone?
Google recognizes one key thing, Mobile Search is really Mobile info
The Observer has a story about Google holding talks with Orange, the mobile phone operator, about a multi-billion-dollar partnership to create a 'Google phone'
It would have built-in Google software which would dramatically improve on the slow and cumbersome experience of surfing the web from a mobile handset.
Among the potential benefits are location-based searches: aware of your handset's geographical position.
Tony Cooper, a telecoms consultant at Deloitte, said: 'There are numerous situations in which people say "I wish I had Google in my hand",
What will Google Mobile look like?
Just some of the applications and revenue opportunities that will come with this device...
Google TALK
Google SMS Words
Google LINK
Google mobile marketing
Google mobile ads
Google mobile words
Google coupons
Google click-to-call
Google LBS
Google Moogle
Google QR Codes
How will Google make a googl with the Google Phone?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Google Unveils Patent Search Tool
Google unveils a Patent Search in beta form.
If you have ever used the U.S. Patent site you will find that Google Patent Search is much easier to use.
No ads appear on search results, but I think this search application will get lots of traffic going forward with The New American Business Model
Great find from C Enrique Ortiz at the Mobility Weblog
If you have ever used the U.S. Patent site you will find that Google Patent Search is much easier to use.
No ads appear on search results, but I think this search application will get lots of traffic going forward with The New American Business Model
Great find from C Enrique Ortiz at the Mobility Weblog
Thursday, December 14, 2006
McDonald's Uses QR Codes
Fresh Creations has a video of McDonalds using physical world connection. QR codes are placed on Big Mac wrappers and when a camera phone scans the 2D code, the ingredients are sent to your mobile phone.
Watch the video
Watch the video
mob5 And ShotCode Join Forces
What a great idea. A mobile site creator offers an easy way to access them with physical world hyperlink company OP3 .
mob5 and ShotCode join forces
Mob5.com is the largest Nordic mobile website creator and now they have expanded their offering by simply allowing their users to create ShotCodes.
Download the ShotCode reader.
Currently mob5.com serves several thousand mobile webpages and the numbers are increasing rapidly. All you have to do is visit mob5.com and create your own mobile webpage, the interaction design is simple and intuitive as is the creation of your own ShotCode. Just check out the menu item in the editor menu and your own personal ShotCode is only one click away.
This comes shortly after ShotCodes were launched on 40 million Sprite bottles in Mexico.
40 million physical world hyperlinks is a great start for adoption, and letting users create their own code is another.
mob5 and ShotCode join forces
Mob5.com is the largest Nordic mobile website creator and now they have expanded their offering by simply allowing their users to create ShotCodes.
Download the ShotCode reader.
Currently mob5.com serves several thousand mobile webpages and the numbers are increasing rapidly. All you have to do is visit mob5.com and create your own mobile webpage, the interaction design is simple and intuitive as is the creation of your own ShotCode. Just check out the menu item in the editor menu and your own personal ShotCode is only one click away.
This comes shortly after ShotCodes were launched on 40 million Sprite bottles in Mexico.
40 million physical world hyperlinks is a great start for adoption, and letting users create their own code is another.
Microsoft Unveils AURA.... A Bar Code Scanning Application For Mobile
When the words bar code, mobile and Microsoft are used in the same sentence, you know a big opportunity is coming.
It's time to officially add Microsoft to the Physical World Connection list with this announcement.
While Google is focusing on creating content, what about the content that already exists?
Microsoft is offering the ability to create AND link to new and existing "content", the physical world.
Google is concentrating on the PC world, Mister Softee recognizes the big opportunity lies with the mobile because there will be more mobile phones with Internet access than PCs.
Because Microsoft's AURA provides the ability to connect the billions of physical world hyperlinks that ALREADY exist (instead of creating new 2D codes, QR codes), this application could tip the playing field for the mobile marketing space.
The camera and RFID scanner on your mobile phone are your "mouse" and every physical object has, or will have, a physical world hyperlink, Phase 2 of the Internet begins.
In October, Microsoft disrupted the Physical World Connection space when they unveiled their beta 2D Code application called Windows Live Barcode that allows users to create their own 2D code and connect various physical objects to the Internet. Just install decoder software on handsets and capture QR Code via a built-in camera
Today Microsoft yakes another big step to dominate the Physical World Connection space and is allowing people with Windows Mobile operating system to download Advanced User Resource Annotation (AURA).
The big news here is that Microsoft is offering the ability to connect with both a 1D (bar code) and 2D code (physical world hyperlinks). 1D codes are already on billions of products, 2D codes are rapidly becoming the standard for many industries.
Physical world hyperlinks are being called The Next Big Internet Trend
People with an AURA-enabled device would use its digital camera to snap the bar code on a product.
AURA then would deliver several links and search results about the item to the handheld computer. A consumer might learn whether the same product is available for a lower price elsewhere, for example, or whether the item was manufactured in a country with controversial labor practices.
Microsoft is now providing the "dial tone" and Internet access for billions of products. The mobile marketing applications are endless.
Download the AURA Mobile Client
Marc Smith, a researcher in Microsoft's community technologies group, acknowledges that "history is littered with efforts in this regard. This is not really a brand new idea at all."
He cites, for example, failed devices such as the CueCat, which could read bar codes in newspapers and magazines and send their users' PCs directly to affiliated Web pages.
Complimenting the ability to scan/connect the physical world hyperlinks 1D code and 2D codes, Microsoft is developing an RFID browser and an application to connect images Photo2Search . Photo2Search gives users a way to search a Web-based database by using nothing more than an image captured by a cellphone equipped with a digital camera.
There are many other physical world hyperlinks that will allow a mobile device to scan and connec to the Internet. One that is used everyday is the fingerprint.
While Google has made some progress in the physical world connection space, Microsoft continues to offer applications for the next Phase of the Internet, a much bigger one.
If I was Google, want to know what I would do?
It's time to officially add Microsoft to the Physical World Connection list with this announcement.
While Google is focusing on creating content, what about the content that already exists?
Microsoft is offering the ability to create AND link to new and existing "content", the physical world.
Google is concentrating on the PC world, Mister Softee recognizes the big opportunity lies with the mobile because there will be more mobile phones with Internet access than PCs.
Because Microsoft's AURA provides the ability to connect the billions of physical world hyperlinks that ALREADY exist (instead of creating new 2D codes, QR codes), this application could tip the playing field for the mobile marketing space.
The camera and RFID scanner on your mobile phone are your "mouse" and every physical object has, or will have, a physical world hyperlink, Phase 2 of the Internet begins.
In October, Microsoft disrupted the Physical World Connection space when they unveiled their beta 2D Code application called Windows Live Barcode that allows users to create their own 2D code and connect various physical objects to the Internet. Just install decoder software on handsets and capture QR Code via a built-in camera
Today Microsoft yakes another big step to dominate the Physical World Connection space and is allowing people with Windows Mobile operating system to download Advanced User Resource Annotation (AURA).
The big news here is that Microsoft is offering the ability to connect with both a 1D (bar code) and 2D code (physical world hyperlinks). 1D codes are already on billions of products, 2D codes are rapidly becoming the standard for many industries.
Physical world hyperlinks are being called The Next Big Internet Trend
People with an AURA-enabled device would use its digital camera to snap the bar code on a product.
AURA then would deliver several links and search results about the item to the handheld computer. A consumer might learn whether the same product is available for a lower price elsewhere, for example, or whether the item was manufactured in a country with controversial labor practices.
Microsoft is now providing the "dial tone" and Internet access for billions of products. The mobile marketing applications are endless.
Download the AURA Mobile Client
Marc Smith, a researcher in Microsoft's community technologies group, acknowledges that "history is littered with efforts in this regard. This is not really a brand new idea at all."
He cites, for example, failed devices such as the CueCat, which could read bar codes in newspapers and magazines and send their users' PCs directly to affiliated Web pages.
Complimenting the ability to scan/connect the physical world hyperlinks 1D code and 2D codes, Microsoft is developing an RFID browser and an application to connect images Photo2Search . Photo2Search gives users a way to search a Web-based database by using nothing more than an image captured by a cellphone equipped with a digital camera.
There are many other physical world hyperlinks that will allow a mobile device to scan and connec to the Internet. One that is used everyday is the fingerprint.
While Google has made some progress in the physical world connection space, Microsoft continues to offer applications for the next Phase of the Internet, a much bigger one.
If I was Google, want to know what I would do?
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
CounterFight Uses 2D Codes For Brand Protection
Add CounterFight to the physical world connection company list
From Packaging Essentials CounterFight..New Division To Provide Brand Protection
Claricom Limited (UK), world market leader in the provider of Package Coding Management ( PCM) systems has launched a product security and brand protection division CounterFight.
The CounterFight products use proven and patented technology to print unique non-sequential security codes onto every product at item level and at case or traded unit level. Typically printed as a simple human readable code (although barcode and 2D barcode versions can also be specified), the numbers can then be checked and verified at any time and in any place by authorized users via phone, SMS-text message or the Internet.
Unique security codes can be automatically generation and printed online at production speeds of up to 1,500 items per minute and the unique correlation between the codes on items and case make it unviable for would be counterfeiters to replicate.
Whenever verification of a unique CounterFight code takes place either by the Internet, SMS messaging or telephone, then information about this verification is stored in a secure database
From Packaging Essentials CounterFight..New Division To Provide Brand Protection
Claricom Limited (UK), world market leader in the provider of Package Coding Management ( PCM) systems has launched a product security and brand protection division CounterFight.
The CounterFight products use proven and patented technology to print unique non-sequential security codes onto every product at item level and at case or traded unit level. Typically printed as a simple human readable code (although barcode and 2D barcode versions can also be specified), the numbers can then be checked and verified at any time and in any place by authorized users via phone, SMS-text message or the Internet.
Unique security codes can be automatically generation and printed online at production speeds of up to 1,500 items per minute and the unique correlation between the codes on items and case make it unviable for would be counterfeiters to replicate.
Whenever verification of a unique CounterFight code takes place either by the Internet, SMS messaging or telephone, then information about this verification is stored in a secure database
Gentag Gets A Physical World Connection Patent
Gentag, Inc. is pleased to announce the issuance of Patent 7,148,803 entitled "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Based Sensor Networks."
Gentag is on the list.
This broad patent covers the uses of personal wireless devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and laptops as low-cost wireless readers for RFID sensors and the creation of RFID-sensor networks for consumer, industrial, and government applications.
This patent provides the basis for the creation of the next generation wireless technology, combining low-cost wireless readers in the hands of the consumers, wireless networks, geolocation, and disposable wireless sensors for various market applications. The emergence of near field communications (NFC) will accelerate the availability of RFID cell phones, thereby accentuating the importance of the patent.
Gentag has patented the revolutionary concept of using a cell phone as a universal reader for disposable wireless sensors.
The powerful combination of Gentag's patented cell phone-sensor reader technology with Gentag's disposable wireless sensor platform will enable a multitude of innovative applications, providing consumers with easy and instant access to vital information over established wireless networks, the Internet and client-specific databases
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
A Tale Of Two Physical World Connectors
Two physical world connection companies...........going in opposite directions?
I have talked about Scanbuy numerous times and their application that allows a camera phone to link to the Internet via 2d bar code. Two major announcements today in the PWC space have me wondering if a clear leader is emerging.
Scanbuy, Inc. , a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, today announced the recent hiring of industry veteran Jonathan Bulkeley as Chief Executive Officer. The company also announced that it completed $9 million in Series B financing. Longworth Venture Partners, Masthead Venture Partners and Hudson Venture Partners led the round, with participation from existing angel investors.
Bulkeley was previously the CEO of barnesandnoble.com, growing sales from $71 million to over $200 million, and overseeing its IPO, which at the time was the largest Internet IPO in history. Prior to bn.com, Bulkeley served as Managing Director of AOL's joint venture with Bertelsmann Online in the U.K. and as AOL’s Vice President of Business Development in the U.S
Bulkeley currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Readers Digest Association, and Spark Networks, PLC. He also served on the Board of Directors of IGN Entertainment which was sold to News Corporation last year.
The funds will escalate growth of Scanbuy’s go-to-market efforts, extend its standard 1D and 2D bar code technology leadership in mobile marketing
Opposite directions? ........
Scanbuy's announcement comes on the same day that the other major U.S. Physical World Connection player NeoMedia Technologies, announces that their CEO, President and Board member Charles Jensen resigned.
The company also announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including across-the-board salary reductions for the company's senior-level executives.
Going on 3 years, NeoMedia has been involved in a patent infringment suit against Scanbuy.
"We are seeing huge growth in the mobile marketing arena worldwide and Scanbuy is the clear leader in making it easy for consumers to fully utilize these enhanced services via their wireless phones," said Steve Smith of Masthead Venture Partners.
"We are thrilled to have Jonathan Bulkeley leading the Scanbuy team. His experience, vision and credibility are exactly what the company and the industry need to bring this technology to the mass market," said Nilanjana Bhowmik, partner at Longworth Venture Partners.
It appears there has been a dramatic shift in the physical world connection playing field.
The ponder in me wonders if innovation instead of litigation would have allowed quicker adoption.
Thoughts comments?
I have talked about Scanbuy numerous times and their application that allows a camera phone to link to the Internet via 2d bar code. Two major announcements today in the PWC space have me wondering if a clear leader is emerging.
Scanbuy, Inc. , a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, today announced the recent hiring of industry veteran Jonathan Bulkeley as Chief Executive Officer. The company also announced that it completed $9 million in Series B financing. Longworth Venture Partners, Masthead Venture Partners and Hudson Venture Partners led the round, with participation from existing angel investors.
Bulkeley was previously the CEO of barnesandnoble.com, growing sales from $71 million to over $200 million, and overseeing its IPO, which at the time was the largest Internet IPO in history. Prior to bn.com, Bulkeley served as Managing Director of AOL's joint venture with Bertelsmann Online in the U.K. and as AOL’s Vice President of Business Development in the U.S
Bulkeley currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Readers Digest Association, and Spark Networks, PLC. He also served on the Board of Directors of IGN Entertainment which was sold to News Corporation last year.
The funds will escalate growth of Scanbuy’s go-to-market efforts, extend its standard 1D and 2D bar code technology leadership in mobile marketing
Opposite directions? ........
Scanbuy's announcement comes on the same day that the other major U.S. Physical World Connection player NeoMedia Technologies, announces that their CEO, President and Board member Charles Jensen resigned.
The company also announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including across-the-board salary reductions for the company's senior-level executives.
Going on 3 years, NeoMedia has been involved in a patent infringment suit against Scanbuy.
"We are seeing huge growth in the mobile marketing arena worldwide and Scanbuy is the clear leader in making it easy for consumers to fully utilize these enhanced services via their wireless phones," said Steve Smith of Masthead Venture Partners.
"We are thrilled to have Jonathan Bulkeley leading the Scanbuy team. His experience, vision and credibility are exactly what the company and the industry need to bring this technology to the mass market," said Nilanjana Bhowmik, partner at Longworth Venture Partners.
It appears there has been a dramatic shift in the physical world connection playing field.
The ponder in me wonders if innovation instead of litigation would have allowed quicker adoption.
Thoughts comments?
2D Code Manifesto...A Physical World Connection Summary
Tommi at S60 Applications Blog has a great 10-point manifesto about 2D barcodes called The 2D Barcode Manifesto
Now, we are finally about to put Nokia's Barcode Reader application under N80 and N73 support pages, and to the Download! client. In addition, the app should be in the latest N93 firmware in all variants.
I wanted to publish this post on the day that the app becomes available, but I'll be on vacation during 13-26 December. I hope the app becomes available during this time.
Lots of great reading and links in this, even a couple contributions from The Pondering Primate.
Now, we are finally about to put Nokia's Barcode Reader application under N80 and N73 support pages, and to the Download! client. In addition, the app should be in the latest N93 firmware in all variants.
I wanted to publish this post on the day that the app becomes available, but I'll be on vacation during 13-26 December. I hope the app becomes available during this time.
Lots of great reading and links in this, even a couple contributions from The Pondering Primate.
Physical World Hyperlink From HP Wins Popular Science Award
Memory Spot, a wireless data chip that could help bridge the physical and digital worlds, received a 2006 "Best Of What’s New" award in general innovation from Popular Science Magazine.
I called it the Physical World Hyperlink Chip
Developed in HP Labs Bristol, U.K., the chip provides high storage capacity and bandwidth comparable to standard RFID tags. The tiny chip can be stuck on or embedded in almost any object and make available information and content now found mostly on electronic devices or the Internet
I called it the Physical World Hyperlink Chip
Developed in HP Labs Bristol, U.K., the chip provides high storage capacity and bandwidth comparable to standard RFID tags. The tiny chip can be stuck on or embedded in almost any object and make available information and content now found mostly on electronic devices or the Internet
The "Internet of Things" The Biggest Transformation Of The 21st Century?
Physical World Connection is being called one of the biggest technological transformations of the 21st Century.
Info on Chemicals has a nice summary on the history of RFID and the upcoming role an RFID tag will play in the Internet of Things.
RFID is an infrastructure technology, which will have a impact on almost every business process. However RFID is still a new technology, and thus we are waiting to see where it will lead in many applications.
But to speak only about RFID in terms of supply chain is to miss the point.
Emerging technologies: sensors, (mots or smart dust), Nanotechnology and community-wide wireless broadband, GPS, are changing the landscape for business applications and life style generally.
Some argue that this is the biggest technological transformation of the 21st Century. It will transform our Cities, our work processes and our lives.
A number of RFID applications are actually enabling cyberspace to interface with the real world ie Physical World Connection.
Visionary Innovations identifies companies that will play a key role in this transformation. Will your company play a role in it, let us know.
Info on Chemicals has a nice summary on the history of RFID and the upcoming role an RFID tag will play in the Internet of Things.
RFID is an infrastructure technology, which will have a impact on almost every business process. However RFID is still a new technology, and thus we are waiting to see where it will lead in many applications.
But to speak only about RFID in terms of supply chain is to miss the point.
Emerging technologies: sensors, (mots or smart dust), Nanotechnology and community-wide wireless broadband, GPS, are changing the landscape for business applications and life style generally.
Some argue that this is the biggest technological transformation of the 21st Century. It will transform our Cities, our work processes and our lives.
A number of RFID applications are actually enabling cyberspace to interface with the real world ie Physical World Connection.
Visionary Innovations identifies companies that will play a key role in this transformation. Will your company play a role in it, let us know.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Dish TV Offers Text Channel With CellPoint And PixelPlay
I expect more advertisers to start including SMS keywords in their ads as a quicker method of interacting with the consumer.
From CreativeMac Cellpoint and PixelPlay offer interactive TV with SMS
Cellpoint Mobile and PixelPlay teamed up to launch a Short Message Service sweepstakes on EchoStar Communications' DishGAMES interactive-TV channel.
DishGAMES is powered by PixelPlay's interactive-TV technology, and Cellpoint is a provider of user-oriented mobile services.
The sweepstakes will enable DishGAMES players to "text-in and win" one of three Apple Computer iPod Nanos, with winners notified via text message. In return, PixelPlay will acquire the capability to alert players through SMS of future game releases, new sweepstakes offerings and promotions
From CreativeMac Cellpoint and PixelPlay offer interactive TV with SMS
Cellpoint Mobile and PixelPlay teamed up to launch a Short Message Service sweepstakes on EchoStar Communications' DishGAMES interactive-TV channel.
DishGAMES is powered by PixelPlay's interactive-TV technology, and Cellpoint is a provider of user-oriented mobile services.
The sweepstakes will enable DishGAMES players to "text-in and win" one of three Apple Computer iPod Nanos, with winners notified via text message. In return, PixelPlay will acquire the capability to alert players through SMS of future game releases, new sweepstakes offerings and promotions
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Buy Lottery Tickets With SMS With WagerPhone
I looked into this application a couple years ago but State laws wouldn't allow it. If this is legit, this could be a one of the biggest moneymakers for the text message space.
How many times has your lottery rolled over to $30m, $50m etc and you felt like buying 5 lottery tickets just because. When you saw the lines at the ticket counter you felt it wasn't worth the wait.
Wait no more, buy lottery tickets via SMS with WagerPhone
New Wave Mobile is pleased to announce its 100% acquisition of WagerPhone.
WP is focused on providing National and State lotteries with the ability to extend their services. WP solutions will provide consumers with a number of convenient and non-time-consuming methods to purchase lottery tickets, scratch cards and more through the utilization of extensible channels of sales and distribution:
SMS solutions enable people to purchase lottery tickets and play their favorite numbers games via Text Message anytime anywhere.
If WagerPhone charged $1 every time you purchased tickets would you use it?
How much bigger could the PowerBall lottery be if this was allowed?
How many times has your lottery rolled over to $30m, $50m etc and you felt like buying 5 lottery tickets just because. When you saw the lines at the ticket counter you felt it wasn't worth the wait.
Wait no more, buy lottery tickets via SMS with WagerPhone
New Wave Mobile is pleased to announce its 100% acquisition of WagerPhone.
WP is focused on providing National and State lotteries with the ability to extend their services. WP solutions will provide consumers with a number of convenient and non-time-consuming methods to purchase lottery tickets, scratch cards and more through the utilization of extensible channels of sales and distribution:
SMS solutions enable people to purchase lottery tickets and play their favorite numbers games via Text Message anytime anywhere.
If WagerPhone charged $1 every time you purchased tickets would you use it?
How much bigger could the PowerBall lottery be if this was allowed?
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Physical World Connection Stops Cigar Counterfeiting
From Fendi handbags to Rolex watches, counterfeits or “knock offs” are commonplace. Why should cigars be different?
The new technology stamped onto Cusano cigar boxes features a dot-matrix design and unique number that works like a bar code and returns sales information to the company.
A box can only be scanned once and bogus boxes cannot be scanned, alerting the customer that something’s amiss.
Monday, December 04, 2006
MobileAMA Connects Physical World Using V-Codes And A Camera Phone
There's another bar code, optical character recognition (OCR) via camera phone reading application in town that is creating truly valuable physical world connection applications.
Add MobileAMA to the physical world connection list.
Mobile AMA (www.mobileama.com) is the commercialization arm of Applied Media Analysis, which has done years of Research and Development on mobile devices for the government. Some valuable everyday applications include interpreting foreign languages, scanning business cards, reading medication, shopping information.
Their patent-ready mobile vision technology, a computer vision technology which allows camera-enabled handheld devices, such as PDAs and Smartphones, to read and see, AMA products turn users’ camera phones into personal data scanners.
MobileVision creates an opportunity to build applications which link the existing physical world to mobile content. This platform enables devices to recognize barcodes and other language characters, such as the information printed on signs, business cards, or other text.
Applied Media Analysis company, announced today the launch of V-Code (Video Code), a product that allows data transfer to camera phones through a dynamic visual code.
In Asia nearly 80% of cell phone users use QR Codes regularly to link to web addresses or phone numbers, however QR Codes are limited by the amount of information they contain. V-Codes allow users to download large files presented visually on any TV, monitor, flat panel device, LCD, CRT, or movie screen.
See the Demo
Based on our patented MobileVision technology, a computer vision technology which allows camera-enabled handheld devices, such as PDAs and Smartphones, to read and see, MobileAMA products turn user's camera phones into personal data scanners
This is nice to see. Look how they started this.
AMA has been awarded seven grants from the government under the highly competitive Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. Millions of dollars in Phase I and Phase II awards helped build AMA’s proprietary information and intellectual property. A Government funded a physical world connection player.
They have also completed several different research and development projects for clients such as DARPA and the Department of Defense
MobileAMA has also developed a patent pending Mobile Barcode SDK as a platform-independent, compact 1D barcode decoding development toolkit.
Their highly accurate multi-platform Mobile Barcode Reader can be integrated into most major mobile platforms including Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Palm. The Mobile Barcode Reader is a cost effective way to convert your camera phone into a barcode scanner
What Really Is Physical World Connection?
I am starting to see more stories that discuss Physical World Connection (PWC), or the "Internet of Things", I thought it would be a good time to explain what the next big thing for the Internet will be.
The Physical World Web is when any object can be linked to the Internet. There is a difference between machines and objects that are continuously connected to the Net, they are already "online". The other form of PWC is when objects can be randomly connected to the Net. It is almost like giving a physical object a dialtone.
PWC was recently referred to as One Hot Trend
"Thing Connection" is when anywhere, anytime, anything can be connected through the Internet. All physical objects must have a physical world hyperlink (PWH) in order to link to the Internet. Websites have hyperlinks that when a mouse clicks on them, they resolve all of those letters as a Web address, and you are directed to that address.
Physical objects will have a different kind of hyperlink, that will allow connection to the Internet and specific information. Physical world "mouses" can be on mobile phone, camera phone, an RFID reader, fingerprint scanner (a few others to come soon).
Try to think of Physical World Connection as giving any physical object a dial tone and a phone number.
What is a physical world hyperlink?
Physical World hyperlinks include: RFID tags, numbers, bar coded, 2d codes (2d/QR/ Data Matrix), magnetic strips, images, sounds, fingerprints, iris, and hair/blood/saliva, odor, chemical and a few soon to come.
When a machine readable identifier resolves this object with a Web-enabled computing device you have Phase 2 of the Internet.
The most common examples are scanning a bar code (2d code, QR code) via a camera phone and receiving information.
The other is scanning an RFID tag.
This is a list of the companies that could play a role in this space.
I will have current examples of PWC, and some futuristic ideas shortly.
Why do I think The Next Google is this application? Google is so successful because they offer the ability to find anything on the Internet which consists of billions of websites.
The next Google is an application that allows a mobile user to access information on the Net from trillions of physical objects.
I will have current examples of PWC, and some futuristic ideas shortly.
The Physical World Web is when any object can be linked to the Internet. There is a difference between machines and objects that are continuously connected to the Net, they are already "online". The other form of PWC is when objects can be randomly connected to the Net. It is almost like giving a physical object a dialtone.
PWC was recently referred to as One Hot Trend
"Thing Connection" is when anywhere, anytime, anything can be connected through the Internet. All physical objects must have a physical world hyperlink (PWH) in order to link to the Internet. Websites have hyperlinks that when a mouse clicks on them, they resolve all of those letters as a Web address, and you are directed to that address.
Physical objects will have a different kind of hyperlink, that will allow connection to the Internet and specific information. Physical world "mouses" can be on mobile phone, camera phone, an RFID reader, fingerprint scanner (a few others to come soon).
Try to think of Physical World Connection as giving any physical object a dial tone and a phone number.
What is a physical world hyperlink?
Physical World hyperlinks include: RFID tags, numbers, bar coded, 2d codes (2d/QR/ Data Matrix), magnetic strips, images, sounds, fingerprints, iris, and hair/blood/saliva, odor, chemical and a few soon to come.
When a machine readable identifier resolves this object with a Web-enabled computing device you have Phase 2 of the Internet.
The most common examples are scanning a bar code (2d code, QR code) via a camera phone and receiving information.
The other is scanning an RFID tag.
This is a list of the companies that could play a role in this space.
I will have current examples of PWC, and some futuristic ideas shortly.
Why do I think The Next Google is this application? Google is so successful because they offer the ability to find anything on the Internet which consists of billions of websites.
The next Google is an application that allows a mobile user to access information on the Net from trillions of physical objects.
I will have current examples of PWC, and some futuristic ideas shortly.
Friday, December 01, 2006
After ".com", Will Verisign Be In Charge Of A 2D Code Registry?
Register a domain name and get a 2d code for mobile connectivity.
Verisign has been granted permission to continue running the ".com" registry, and they will also manage the directory for looking up EPC numbers (RFID tags) on the Internet.
Verisign has developed an "EPC Explorer" for Windows and Microsoft is already developing an RFID Browser
I wonder, will Verisign be in charge of the registry for all physical world hyperlinks? When every physical object can be linked to the Internet, it will have its own unique IP address. Who will provide the registry for this?
RFID tags are one type of physical world hyperlink, 2d codes (QR code, data matrix) are another and will soon be linking physical objects to the Net.
Because there are so many companies that offer 2d code creating services, what this industry needs is a standard.
Could Verisign create the ".com" for 2d codes, and other players will be the ".orgs, .info, .nets?".
From Reuters Verisign wins US approval for ".com"
The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved a deal that allows Verisign Inc. to continue running the lucrative ".com" Internet registry through 2012, the company said on Thursday.
Verisign has operated the dot-com registry that allows private companies to register domain names since 1999 under a contract granted from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
When Verisign acquired m-Qube, they opened a variety of possibilities for mobile marketing, m-commerce and physical world connection.
Verisign has been granted permission to continue running the ".com" registry, and they will also manage the directory for looking up EPC numbers (RFID tags) on the Internet.
Verisign has developed an "EPC Explorer" for Windows and Microsoft is already developing an RFID Browser
I wonder, will Verisign be in charge of the registry for all physical world hyperlinks? When every physical object can be linked to the Internet, it will have its own unique IP address. Who will provide the registry for this?
RFID tags are one type of physical world hyperlink, 2d codes (QR code, data matrix) are another and will soon be linking physical objects to the Net.
Because there are so many companies that offer 2d code creating services, what this industry needs is a standard.
Could Verisign create the ".com" for 2d codes, and other players will be the ".orgs, .info, .nets?".
From Reuters Verisign wins US approval for ".com"
The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved a deal that allows Verisign Inc. to continue running the lucrative ".com" Internet registry through 2012, the company said on Thursday.
Verisign has operated the dot-com registry that allows private companies to register domain names since 1999 under a contract granted from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
When Verisign acquired m-Qube, they opened a variety of possibilities for mobile marketing, m-commerce and physical world connection.
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