TechCrunch50 Showcases Startups

TechCrunch has been a well known site for everything tech and media related. With millions of readers and followers, TechCrunch has done an amazing job in helping young fledgling startups get noticed. What began as TechCrunch 20, then 40, and now 50, it looks to once again be the opportunity that every startup is waiting for.

In just under a week the San Francisco Design Center Concourse will be transformed into a showcase floor for entrepreneurs, new technology, and VC’s looking for the “next big thing.” The DemoPit, where all the magic happens. Paired with this display are panels of speakers who will share their thoughts and expertise with the attendees, expected to be over 900 this year alone.

The event gives the startups an opportunity to share, explain, and possibly have their ideas funded. Companies have a high chance of being launched at this event, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Thanks to all the sponsors who help support and foster an event where these startups can find growth and a possible future!

Keep track of this event, and check back here for some of the highlights of the event.

Let Gary V. Pick Your Tee

In a surprising side venture, Gary Vaynerchuck known for his outrageous and popular Wine Library TV show, along with his brothers and Digg partner Joe Stump, have developed an amazing t-shirt search engine.

PleaseDressMe delves deep into the online world for hip and popular t-shirts from such places as Threadless and BustedTees. This venture is sure to gain in popularity, not just cause of the names attached to the project, but because of the popularity of slogan shirts.

The interface is no-nonsense, and while it’s still new, provides sufficient options for your search. Don’t know what you want? No problem, PleaseDressMe offers searches based on keywords, t-shirt colors, tags, and even price. A great way to encounter your own taste and at the same time be introduced to other shirts you did not know existed.

I would definitely keep an eye out on this site because it’s sure to explode with options in the coming months!

Animoto Is A Year Old

Animoto is an introduction to movie making made easily. There is no need to brave the very steep learning curve of Final Cut Pro and for those not exposed to iMovie, this web application fit a suitable need with a limited amount of time.

I did a previous review of Animoto here. In that review I spoke about the finer points of Animoto and its uses for those looking at creating quick vids to share with friends and families, and even embed into websites.

I want to congratulate Animoto for hitting their one year celebration and wanted to share a few numbers they shared with me via their email announcement:

1. 4 million videos have been made on the Animoto platform
2. More than 250,000 users in 200-some countries have registered on Animoto.com
3. Animoto vids have been watched over 50 million times on Animoto.com, blogs, social networks, video sharing sites and web sites around the world!

I also want to share with all the readers of Crenk some new features for Animoto!

1. You can now pick your own images to use as the cover for your video as opposed to the static images provided by Animoto.

2. Animoto for your iPhone!!! That’s right, now you can watch your Animoto videos on your iPhone and a hint at a possible iPhone app. We’ll be sure to review it when it comes out.

3. you can now incorporate logos and panoramics into the videos which was a long standing issue.

Animoto is a definite most for those of us looking at creating videos for presentations, thank you cards, get well cards, parties/events.

Review: Strands to Connect and Recommend

Just recently I’ve been able to play with the new relaunch of Strands. The social networking site falls in line with popular sites like FriendFeed and PlaxoPulse, and looks to aggregate your social networking habits all in one place, but extend to even recommending things you might like.

Some will say that the multitude of social network platforms are watering down the market, and while that may be so, there are always small distinctions that separate them from one another. I for one thoroughly enjoy my Strands account specifically because of recommendations. Now even though I am new and still meeting people on there, I enjoy going through profiles and looking through recommendations.

Strands single handedly battles the information overload and filters your “feeds” from different social network sites. You set up your profile the way you want Strands to respond. What I find especially interesting is that Strands does not just support the major players in the game, but also reaches out and taps into lesser known social networks such as Hype Machine and Meneame (Spanish Digg clone). This really creates a sense of inclusiveness as opposed to exclusiveness.

Strands “evangelist” Drew Olanoff on Twitter is a great person to follow on Twitter for day to day happenings with Strands. Sure he incorporates details of his personal life, but he works to build strong relationships with the communities he’s a part of and welcomes feedback on Strands.

If you’re looking for a method of “life streaming” that is functional and easy to use, definitely check out Strands. I don’t see it knocking off the heavy hitters like FriendFeed just yet, but I do see some major success for this social networking site.

Currently the site is still under private beta, but you can sign up at their site to receive an invite, or if you’re really nice to a certain someone on Twitter, perhaps…just maybe an invite might float your way!

Review: Feedheads thru Facebook

Just two days ago, www.feedheads.org was brought to my attention. There are plenty of RSS Reader sites out there, but Feedheads offers a different experience by not reinventing the wheel, but rather attaching itself to an already popular social site, Facebook.

At first glance Feedheads is nothing fancy. It almost reminded me of a Craigslist-like site which little to know aesthetics and a focus on information. Personally I don’t care what a site looks like as long as it’s informative and easy to find what I need, the bells and whistles are just icing. So don’t turn away from Feedheads until you’ve given it a try.

To log into the service you need a Facebook account, and you must allow Facebook to provide access to the site, but once you’ve gotten through the set-up you’re logged right into full access for Feedheads.

I admit at first glance I saw no need to really delve into it since there was no social aspect, but attaching to Facebook makes it very different from other RSS sites. From within the site you can introduce your contacts to stories, have them vote on their favorites and even have them join your networks. You’re given the opportunity to view the stories by three categories, “New”, “Top in 24 Hrs.”, and “7 Days”. A separate link will provide you with the days most popular tags, which is useful for a quick at-a-glance of the days topics.

If you’re a heavy Facebook user and you’re looking for new ways to make that your one stop shop for friends, news, and other information, give Feedheads a try. If you’re stuck on looks then perhaps looking elsewhere would be prudent, Feedheads is definitely for the purist.

Geek Gifts for Back-to-School

It’s that time of year again, and perhaps you or someone you know is headed back to school. For those of us who have been there done that, it’s only fair that we try to provide for those returning with the tools to get them ahead, to keep them on top of things.

I’m not talking about books, or rulers, or fancy computers, heck most universities and colleges tie that into their tuition now-a-days, but the little things that make life just a little easier.

Well if you’re reading this tech site, then you’re a Geek. No worries, Geek is the new chic, so embrace it. Thanks to sites like ThinkGeek, the geek in all of us can find something to make us a little happier, if not geekier.

Here are the Top 10 Geek Gifts for the back-to-schooler!

1. Neverlate 7-Day Alarm Clock: Never be late again for your class, your meeting, or your exam. This alarm clock actually lets you set seven different wake up times to provide you the maximum amount of sleep you can get without forgetting to change the time like other standard alarm clocks. If anything’s been cancelled, no worries, just turn that alarm for that day off without affecting the other presets. Give it a try, you might actually find yourself showing up on time…just don’t make it a habit!


2. Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool: So now-a-days most people don’t feel comfortable carrying around their utility knives, but the tools on there were so useful. You need something economical, compact, but provides all the same usability. The Utili-Key is just such a tool that is small enough to fit onto a standard key chain ring. Provides a small serrated blade, various screwdriver sizes, and a bottle opener. You never know when something like this could come in handy.


3. Original Ring Thing: How many times have you been caught with a bottle and no bottle opener? It’s happened to all of us, and rather than risk breaking the bottle against a corner or using your teeth to pop the top, wouldn’t it be nice to have something on you that you would have worn anyways? It’s possible with this ring that acts as a bottle opener as well. Come to the rescue of yourself and your buddies with this amazing fashion meets functionality piece.


4. Marshmallow Shooter: Who knows why we do the things we do in high school and especially college? Perhaps it’s all the studying resulting in mind overload. Nevertheless pick up this little item and let the good times roll. Whether you’re having marshmallow shooting competitions, shooting into your friend’s mouth, or just feeding yourself, this device puts your hands out of business. Eating marshmallow with your hands is the old, the Marshmallow shooter is the new. Enjoy!


5. Keep out of Direct Sunlight: So the common myth about geeks and computer nerds is that we’re all pasty colored and nocturnal fearing the real world and life in general. Well buck the system guys and gals with this tongue-in-cheek shirt that declares that you are well aware of the rumor and defying the norm. Why not let what you wear make a statement?


6. STFU University Hoodie: Do you ever have those days where school spirit just seems a little overwhelming and maybe even a little fake? You know the whole cheerleaders, spirit squad, furry costumed mascot and everyone shouting “RA! RA! RA!”? Well on those days show your support for STFUniversity. If you have to ask don’t buy. For of us that know STFU very well, doesn’t it make your lives a little easier to share that spirit with others, if not a little quieter? See you at the next rally!


7. Procrastination: What else do I have to say? A lot of us lived by this mantra in college, at least in our first two years or so. Sure we may have buckled down to wrap up our degrees and prepare for the real world, but really, how many of us really dropped this habit? For those of us who still languish in the land of procrastination, support it by placing this poster up and be proud!


8. Case o’Bawls: With all the energy drinks on the market it’s hard to find one that really fuels you for those long nights on World of Warcraft, or perhaps that late DnD mission. Well if you’ve done either, then you know Bawls. Boot your roommate out and make Bawls your friend. These cases will fuel your late night binges and entertainment romps when you start to feel weary.


9. Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap: So you got the 7-day alarm clock thing going for ya, but being up and being awake are two different things. Don’t wait 10 min. for that coffee to brew! Jump into the shower and blast your senses wide awake with caffeinated soap! This completely safe to use soap has been featured on CNET, TechTV, Good Morning America, and other media outlets. Work up a good lather and let your body soak up the go-juice.

Photo Credit, all photos provided by ThinkGeek

Review: Fire Eagle Pinpoints Your Location with Precision

Fire Eagle, a Yahoo property, has opened up its doors from beta to public use. After spending some lengthy time in development and beta, Fire Eagle looks to answer the question…Where Are You?

For starters do not mistake Fire Eagle for another social network, it is not. Fire Eagle works in conjunction with a variety of other social networks with new additions being worked on daily. This enhancement allows users of specific networks to know where you are, provided you update. Fire Eagle takes the address, location, or name of the place you are at and creates a map that others can see.

I have attached Fire Eagle to work with BrightKite and so far it’s been amazing. I’ve set up alerts to notify me when my friends are nearby, and I can always look at maps to see where my friends are worldwide, a very nice effect. Of course this app is made even more useful by allowing you input your location from your mobile device.

It’s great to set up impromptu meetings, a quick happy hour with friends in the neighborhood, or finding directions to where your friend is waiting for you.

Fire Eagle works with the following applications:

• BrightKite
• Dash
• Dipity
• Dopplr
• eKit
• Fire Widget
• J2ME mobile updater
• Lightpole
• Loki
• Map My Tracks
• Metosphere
• Movable Type
• Navizon
• Outalot
• Outside.in
• Plazes
• Pownce
• Rummble
• Spot
• Wikinear
• Zkout
• Zonetag
  

Top 5 Olympic Apps for iPhone

The world is currently in fever pitch over the Beijing Olympics this summer. Do you find it hard to keep up with all the events? Do you sit at work with the shakes because you’re in detox from the night before? No longer do you have to remain in the dark. If you have a late night meeting, an event with the family, or any other distraction that takes you away from the television, trust in your iPhone to keep you connected.

There are 5 of the top rated iPhone apps for the Olympic fanatic in you:

I. iOlympic
The most comprehensive coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics at your finger tips. This little apps offers you categories of interest which include: General News, Most Popular News, Team News, Telemundo News Feed, Special Features. You can catch up on all the news with even further breakdowns by event and by country. Want to know the number of medals won by each country, this little app has that info too. A true heavy hitter for Olympic fans.

II. Allmysports
A great general news provider app for those looking for quick bits of news. Not as thorough as iOlympic, but definitely enough to keep you going. Keep track of schedules, athletes, medals, and various country’s performances. The interface is easy to use and good for on the go info to whet your appetite for the moment.

III. Olympic Wallpaper
Who needs stats? You already getting your fill from TV, radio, and the net? Perhaps you’re already on board with some of the Olympic apps mentioned on here. If that’s the case, then this app is for those of us that want to share the experience, not just read it. Cover your iPhone with Olympic wallpaper and show you pride for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

IV. Olympic Games 2008 Medal Count
This quick view app allows you to quickly see a country’s overall standing in all events. You can see just how many medals your country has acquired and rally them to victory!

V. 2008 Olympic Sports Feeds
Perhaps you’re a fan of some of the more obscure, untelevised events at the Beijing Olympics. No worries because this app is here for you. This app provides a very thorough news feed for almost every event being held in Beijing. The Headline News is accessible and right at your finger tips to keep you ahead of the game.

Photo Credit, Marc van der Chijis

Review: EyeOS Provides File Accessiblity Anywhere

Image via Wikipedia

EyeOS has been developed with the multi-computer user in mind. If you find yourself using computers at home, at the library, at the office, at a cybercafe, or a friends house, EyeOS is the desktop web application for you.

While I feel the desktop web application market is a bit watered down, EyeOS is not without its definitive features. EyeOS is literally an entire operating system built inside a web application and more. Through this web application you have access to sophisticated file management protocols, an entire office suite with compatibility across any computer you are using, a fully featured PIM application system as fully functional as having MS Outlook, and finally your own internal neworking services to include email, bulletin board services, and RSS Reader.

Like other desktop applications you have the ability to configure the web app to your liking. The tools are fully customizable and easy to use. Being an open source platform, users are encouraged to participate in making EyeOS better, if not more functional for yourself. The ability to link to your mobile devices is also a feature that few will want to pass up.

The EyeOs team states they want to center work and entertainment all in once place to avoid OS compatibility issues across the varous computers we use. What puzzles me is how this is actually functional in a world full of laptops and key chain drives. I welcome the EyeOS team to comment because I fail to see the relevancy of this web application.

Nevertheless, if you are a frequest user of desktop web apps, and are looking for something bigger and more in depth, experience EyeOS. In the time that I used this web app, it definitely stands out from the rest with its bevy of offerings.

Top 5 Blogs for Women…

…but men can read them too

There are a lot of blogs out there done by women on a variety of topics. Men, don’t skip over this post, look at this as an opportunity to get a glimpse into the minds of our counterparts. Perhaps you’ll learn something!

I for one highly respect these women, and while I don’t always agree with some ideas shared, I do commend them for taking to the web and building a community to network with.

5. Broadsheet – This witty and well written blog on the Salon.com network covers women interests in lifestyle, politics, news, health, and celebrity gossip. The writing is very intelligent and I’m very impressed with the comments left in some of the posts. Of the more recent posts I highly recommend the hilarious post “1,250,444 ways to please your man.” Sorry guys, threesomes and foursomes are just not the order for the day.

4. Jezebel – I really love this blogs layout, and the articles range from fashion, to self help, to feature articles on people, places, and groups. This is another blog that has an amazing following and most importantly this blog holds no punches. You doubt me? Guys, think girls are all pristine and polite, well guess again, women are human, and the post “How Do You Break The Poop Ice With A New Paramour?” is a great article.  Sure you can snicker and laugh at the topic, but she’s talking about a real problem, and not holding back. Definitely give this blog a try!

3. Our Bodies Ourselves – On a more serious note, this blog has information for women regarding motherhood, health, child care, and other body related issues affecting women. This site is a bevy of information and I recommended it to my wife. Men, I definitely recommend you read this site because these are issues that women, in general, feel very strongly about. Educating yourself on these issue would do you some good. I’d recommend an article, but through the the archives, this site just needs to be added to your RSS Feeds, everything is worthwhile.

2. Feministe – I’ve been reading this site for about three weeks now. I have to say hands down that this site makes me think more than some of the other blogs I’ve listed here. The posts are very tightly written, all topics are well formulated, and the comments are a great resource for discussion. This is one of those sites where I truly don’t agree with everything that is written, but I’d be lying if I said I was not intrigued. Great work, great writing, great posts. I highly recommend the post on John Edwards.

1. Feministing – Okay, this may not be the prettiest site out there, but damn if the information isn’t interesting. From the get go you are slapped in the face with the reality of how women are treated and/or thought of in not just our country but the world. This site tackles subjects on the treatment of women the world over. I find it highly encouraging that they are taking the time to also seek out women in specific industries and highlight them, specifically their women of science segment.

So now that you’ve had your fill, I hope to see women responding to these sites in the comments section. Do you have other sites you’d like to see highlighted or reviewed? I look forward to reading all of your comments!

Marketing Collateral In A Flash!

Marketing material costs for freelancers and new businesses can be an expensive investment for start-ups with little money. Sure it’s said “to make money you have to spend money,” but what if you didn’t have to spend a dime?

Do I have your attention yet? If you’re looking for a “quick and dirty” way to get yourself off the ground and utilize the full capability of print work to market your talents, look no further then BrandDoozie. This web-based design application puts the creative tools in your hands. You can design postcards, business cards, letterhead, and other important documents with clicks and drag-n-drops.

The only downside is the limited flexibility of the application, but the service is free, so the concern is moot. The ease of use and quick return make it possible for you to have marketing material in a matter of hours as opposed to weeks. Sure you’re going to sacrifice some of the self creative ideas you might have, but for a freelancer such as myself, I was able to create collateral the same day as a major networking event.

The interface is easy to use, and users are walked through step by step in the creative process. You can save your work mid-project, and even store your completed files in folders. Options to establish your brand, designing a logo, and accessing stock photos are all apart of the experience working within BrandDoozie.

It’s definitely worth jump starting your company’s image with this amazing brand establishing tool. If you need something in a flash, direct yourself to BrandDoozie and get yourself noticed!

Review: Invotrak, Web-Based Invoicing

Working as a freelancer or running your own business with a fired up entrepreneurial spirit can be difficult when it comes to tracking your time and income on multiple projects. One of two things will happen eventually. You will either limit yourself in terms of projects and make just enough money to keep track of or you’ll end up losing money due to inability to properly and effectively keep track of your invoicing. Neither are suitable outcomes for someone starting out on their own.

To avoid such pitfalls, we have discovered a web application that is user friendly and informative, that application is Invotrak by Draconis Software. As a freelance writer I was able to utilize the software for an experiment in keeping track of my personal invoicing and time tracking needs, and I found this application to stand heads and shoulders above the others that I have used.

The Practical
Getting paid on time is important right? Correct invoicing is vital for the integrity and success of your business, so why complicate things any more than they should. Invotrak is a web-based invoice application that was specifically made with freelancers and small businesses in mind. In their words it’s difficult enough to work with clients and do the actual work that invoicing should be as simple as possible without having to hire someone else to do it.

When you sign up for an account, you are taken through several easy steps to get you started. Once on their home interface, you will notice that the smooth and easy to follow design is intuitive. There is no confusion in the labeling system so tabs are easy to find and easy to click. Again, why should invoicing be so difficult, Invotrak wants to make sure their application is as easy to use as possible.

The application does have a FREE option, but there is also a tiered pay structure ranging from as low as $9/mo to as high as $45/mo, depending on your needs.

The Features
Invotrak is full of features which make this free web application one of the more robust around.

• Invoicing – naturally the strong point of this application meant to keep track of all your clients and monies
• Client Database – keep track of everyone that you work with and never forget a name
• Timesheets – very important to keep track of time spent on projects to accurately invoice your client
• Create/Upload Invoices – have an invoice in a different format, no worries, the ability to upload ensures that you don’t have files laying around different programs.
• Reports – keep track of how your business does monthy, quarterly and yearly

These are just a few of the features that are made available to you. Here is a more comprehensive list of the features Invotrak offers.

The Analysis
Invotrak is a heavy hitter in the invoicing market. Rarely have I seen a web application so well put together. My only concern is their hierarchy. In the Free category you are only offered the ability to have up to 2 invoices a month and don’t get an unlimited number of invoices until you pay into the $45/mo plan. Seems like they’re selling the FREE aspect a little short for businesses that want to try the application for the first time.  I believe the whole hierarchy is a little lopsided, but with over $3 million US dollars being tracked across Invotraks database, what do I know? Apparently freelancers and businsess worldwide are happy with it.

I highly recommend you give Invotrak a try and follow them on their blog.