Scalability, updating and restrictions are the common pitfalls of traditional software-based operating systems. But our world has now entered a new era where collaboration is expected, software is free and hardware is inexpensive. Jolicloud takes your everyday netbook and turns it into a powerful web device that connects into the cloud and provides free, open and easy access to web applications.
After planning a rather ambitious two-month trip to Europe this summer, I realized that there had to be an easier way to plan my trip than relying on four rather heavy and pricey tourist guidebooks. I also realized that I couldn’t plan much of my trip ahead of time—especially when the reality of travel in Europe is rarely in sync with my initial, optimistically laden plan.
When you hear of an idea because it’s being pitched as a “Google for local” searching, you definitely start to pay attention. Although, it’s not exactly like Google, Loku is a platform to help you find news, events, deals and businesses in a small local area.
NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is being used for mobile payments and today Springwise covered a Taxi company utilizing the technology to help commuters pay for their journeys. But how can NFC be pushed further into adaptation for daily use? How about ordering food at your local food court! Stephen Davis, a University of Sydney student, has developed an idea where-by users can complete simple transactions at tables of restaurants or food courts and order food quickly and easily.
The stickiness created by Facebook’s centralized IM opened up huge advertising dollar opportunities for the social media giant. But Twitter hasn’t jumped on this trend and has not improved upon its direct messaging features (and probably doesn’t have plans to in the near future), however, Bonfire.im is looking to change all that. Launching today, Bonfire.im looks to change the way you use Twitter by adding IM to your favorite status updating platform.
Yesterday we talked about a service that makes it easy for people to create their own web apps with the plethora of API’s in the web world. Casetagram takes the practice of using the Instagram API to deliver a personal iPhone case with the use of your saved Instagram photos.
Having an idea for a web application is where some startups start. But going from idea to planning and then development can lead entrepreneurs into realms that are not their disciplines. Being able to code a web application idea may seem daunting if not impossible for an entrepreneur with no coding experience or doesn’t have a tech founder. Ifttt.com (which stands for “if this, then that”) is a tool that helps non-coders tie their favorite web apps and services together to develop their own web app solutions.
Google (PowerMeter) and Microsoft (Hohm) couldn’t successfully launch an application that helped users adopt energy monitoring technology. But Facebook is hoping that their new application, set to launch in 2012, will be adopted and let users monitor their energy consumption while competing with others to reduce electricity bills.
Roamz is a travel companion app for your iPhone that helps you discover new places around you. By integrating into your social media accounts (Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter and Instagram), Roamz provides a live filterable stream that gives you an overview of what others are talking about in your current local area.
Many years ago a company called Snailmailme.com was founded, their goal was to change the mailing industry by making it simpler, easier and in the form of a web application. Sadly, that startup began to fizzle away and a new generation of technology to post mail applications have become available that are not only more seamless, interactive and usable but also can be done on the go. Apple recently announced the launch of Cards – a simple way for you to send a folded letterpress card from your iPhone or iPod Touch.