Go2web20 TechBites 11/12/08 - It's all about Israel's High-Tech Industry (again)

From time to time I'm gathering some tech news and updates into one post to make it easier and faster to read. All the news that I listed below related to Israeli's High-Tech Industry.


I'll start with some New Application:
Commentino is a desktop client that helps you to publish all your web comments to a single webpage. After you download the free software, you can start sending comments to your Commentino zone. How does it work: When you write a comment anywhere on the web, Commentino displays a small black “bubble” window and offer you a few ways to publish your content; it also offers to skip publishing if you prefer not to publish this content.
Also, you can share your comment-page with anyone you'd like, connect with other people that comment on the same subjects, and discover more interesting content that relevant to you.
Suggest you read their user manual first, and this comprehensive post from Profy.

Snaptu is a directory of mobile applications, all accessible to the user (freely) through a single downloadable Java client. The main innovation is the system works using client server technology where the applications are displayed on the mobile device but actually run on remote servers. This allows Snaptu to support hundreds of different devices without the need to port the applications.

Headup is the new project from Semantinet (providing semantic web search). Headup is a Browser addon that keeps you in the loop with the people you know, the interests you pursue, the products and places that matter you the most. In short, Headup goal is to boost the way you experience the internet today.

ekoloko is a virtual community where kids discover the virtual world (and real) through fun games and quests, while absorbing the values, knowledge and skills that will help them become more responsible in regard to the environment. Kids can meet new friends, chat with them under secure terms, invite friends to play together, travel with them around, and overall have a lot of fun.

I have to admit that Snapily products are pretty exciting. The service launched right in time, a month or so before Christmas, giving you enough time to customize a great looking paper gift with your/family/friends picture on it, and with some cool effects...

My business cards provided by Snapily. Can it get better than that?


Moving on to some startup updates:

Qoof, The Video Commerce company, is launching its “all-in-one” video commerce widget platform. Qoof Video Commerce Platform can easily distribute their video assets across multiple distribution channels including ad networks, social media sites, affiliate networks and Qoof’s own publishers program as well as integrating a full video channel into their existing website. Example of the widget usage: http://www.shoponair.com

PicApp is an online blog tool for adding high-quality, current, and creative images to blogs and websites - without the copyright or licensing worries. Now releasing the first professional photo licensing plug-in for WordPress. Demo here.

Delver partnered with Yahoo! in order to increase Delver's search with results from Yahoo! search BOSS. The story in Yahoo! Finance.

NuConomy helps companies to understand better website and social marketing performance with its web Analytics and optimization platform. NuConomy Studio ( launched only few weeks ago), lets you discover new and exciting insights about your business. Giving you valuable data that you might don't get anywhere else...

Business news:

• Metacafe lays off 11 from its 80 employees. According to The Marker, 743 employees already have been laid off from 30 Israeli companies.
  
• Kindo (family tree creator), acquired by Israeli service MyHertiage.

Finally, congrats to Con-Trust & Konolive* that selected to present at LeWeb08!

*Disclaimer - I'm working as a consultant at Konolive.