In this edition of the Weekly Wrapup – our newsletter summarizing the top stories of the week – we continue the build-up to our first event: The ReadWrite Real-Time Web Summit on October 15th in Mountain View, California. You can register here for the low price of $270.
Also this week we analyzed applications from The Internet of Things, looked into a new class of tools that surface influencers from Twitter data, questioned whether ‘app addiction’ is real, reviewed the latest eBook trends, and more. We also check in on our two main channels: ReadWriteEnterprise (devoted to ‘enterprise 2.0’ trends and products) and ReadWriteStart (dedicated to profiling startups and entrepreneurs).
Next Week: The ReadWrite Real-Time Web Summit
ReadWriteWeb’s very first event is happening this coming Thursday! The ReadWrite Real-Time Web Summit is on October 15th in Mountain View, California. It’s a 1-day event that will bring together some of the smartest minds doing real-time work for an industry-changing, face-to-face conversation.
In conjunction with the Summit, we’ll be releasing our second original premium research report in October. Registration is still open for the The ReadWrite Real-Time Web Summit, we hope to see you there!
Web Trends
Applications From The Internet of Things – An Analysis of Pachube
Last week we reported that Pachube, an open source platform enabling developers to connect sensor data to the Web, had released a real-time notifications feature. We at ReadWriteWeb think that Pachube is an excellent example of one of our Top 5 Trends of 2009: Internet of Things. So this week we explored Pachube in-depth in a 3-part series. In Part 2, we looked at what applications we can expect to see in the coming years.
See also Part 3: Business Models of The Internet of Things – An Analysis of Pachube’s Open Source Platform
Uncovering Connections on Twitter Could Become Big Business
If there’s a hard-to-reach person you want to meet, one of the best ways to do so is through their friends. A new class of tools intended to surface influencers and the people they are influenced by, is focusing on Twitter. Could analysis of individual behavior on Twitter become a valuable tool for business development and marketing? A growing number of startup companies are making a case that it could.
Is App Addiction a Real Thing?
Do you jokingly refer to yourself as an “app addict?” That is, are you someone so obsessed with your mobile phone applications that you’ve filled numerous screens full of apps? USA Today recently asked: “What is app addiction doing to people’s health? What indeed, we wonder. How about nothing at all?
Holiday Outlook for eReaders and eBooks: Even Better Than Previously Thought
There can be little doubt that eBook and eReaders are having a breakout year. This week, Forrester Research moved its original projection of 2 million US eReader sales in 2009 up 50%. They argue that sales are growing much faster than expected because of falling prices, better retail distribution, and the media buzz that currently surrounds eBooks and eReaders.
SEE MORE WEB TRENDS COVERAGE IN OUR TRENDS CATEGORY
ReadWriteEnterprise
Our channel ReadWriteEnterprise, devoted to ‘enterprise 2.0’ and using social software inside organizations.
Real-Time Collaboration Has Stalled…For Now
A Forrester study reports that real-time collaboration has stalled in the enterprise, due in most part to the lack of adoption in technologies such as web conferencing and instant messaging. That may be true with existing technologies but it is important to note the new generation of applications that extend real-time collaboration tools. The report covers devices, productivity, mobility, collaboration, intranet portals, and Web 2.0.
ReadWriteStart
Our channel ReadWriteStart, sponsored by Microsoft BizSpark, is dedicated to profiling startups and entrepreneurs.
Morpheus: Y Combinator-Like Incubator in India (RWS Interview)
Morpheus describes itself as “a gang of serial entrepreneurs and around 40 startup founders” who are “trying to make a small contribution towards India’s startup revolution.” The venture aims to fill the gap in early-stage financing with a decidedly hands-on approach. We spoke recently with Indus Kaitan, a Valley entrepreneur who returned to India as a Morpheus partner. Read on and listen to find out more about the early-stage scene in India.
SEE MORE STARTUPS COVERAGE IN OUR READWRITESTART CHANNEL
Web Products
Gmail Users Get Real-Time Updates in their Email Messages
Recently, some Gmail usersspotted a new feature in which small favicons were appearing next to certain email messages in the inbox view. The icons only appear next to commercially sent emails such as those delivered by Netflix. They indicate which messages include what Google is calling “enhanced content” – that is, real-time updates from companies contained within the body of the email messages themselves.
Facebook Now Tracking Gross National Happiness; Continues Hoarding Data
Facebook announced this week that it is tracking what it calls Gross National Happiness, based on an analysis of the positive and negative words people use when updating their Facebook status. The new index is interesting, but it’s also a frustrating example of just how much value Facebook is withholding by not allowing everyone access to the anonymous, aggregated activity and conversation of more than 300 million people.
Shiny, Happy Brightkite: Check Out the Site’s New Look, Enhanced Features
Last week, we noticed some downtime for location-based web service and TechStars grad Brightkite. We emailed founder Brady Becker and learned that soon, his team would be rolling out a second version of the site. Read on for a glimpse of what the site now looks and feels like, as well as an exhaustive list of new features and improvements.
iPhone’s Flash Apps: Let the Games Begin
This week at the MAX 2009 Conference, Adobe previewed Flash Professional CS5 and announced that the new release will let Flash developers export their files as iPhone apps. In the past, developers have had to create separate iPhone apps and web-based tools. The significance of this announcement is that development time for thousands of Flash-based gaming and music companies will be cut significantly.
SEE MORE WEB PRODUCTS COVERAGE IN OUR PRODUCTS CATEGORY
That’s a wrap for another week! Enjoy your weekend everyone.
