What is Qwiki?

Qwiki is a new start-up that was first featured at TechCrunch back on September 27th, 2010. According to Qwiki, they seek to “forever improve the way people experience information”. So, what exactly does that mean to us?

Well, before we answer that question, do you remember the 2002 science fiction film “The Time Machine“?  Hint: click to expand image below.

In the movie, Guy Pearce (scientist and inventor) interacts with a futuristic holographic computer called Vox, portrayed by Orlando Jones.  In the movie, Vox is the evolved state of computing intelligence – a reference source of all human knowledge. When asked a question, Vox would collect the data and present back the most relevant details to the user (Guy Pearce). This is essentially the goal at Qwiki – “to advance information technology to the point it acts human”.

Qwiki is changing the paradigm for search. The cool thing about Qwiki is that it does more than simply deliver your standard formatted text or image search results. It delivers the content in a multimedia format, including visuals and audio narratives. These “narratives” or storyboards, are referred to as Qwikis (quick wikis).

How exactly does Qwiki work?  Here’s a brief overview:

1. The Qwiki user is prompted to enter a keyword or topic in the search bar of their site.
2. Qwiki then runs a search and quickly aggregates the results.
3. The search results are then delivered to the user in a visual format, including a presentation.
4. The presentations are narrative-style slideshows which are generated on the fly.

What’s the Verdict on Qwiki?

I believe it’s too early to say. However, regardless of what search engine you favor, I believe Qwiki is destined to have a major impact by helping to redefine the way search results are delivered. Imagine a day (not long from now) when we can run a voice-activated search and find exactly what we are seeking. Google popularized the idea of voice-activated search via it’s mobile app but the technology is still in its infancy. While Qwiki does not have a voice-activated search feature, it is moving us one step closer to “The Time Machine’s” fictionalized Vox. I think it’s safe to say that combining a visual, audio, and narrative formatted search result is no easy task. Qwiki has done an amazing job of bringing this technology to life. I see big things happening for this company and can’t wait to see what they do next.

At the moment, Qwiki is still in Alpha but they do allow new users to sign-up for future accounts. If this type of technology interests you, make sure to follow them on Twitter @Qwiki. However, before you leave, watch Qwiki’s demo video or click below and tell me what you think.

Is Qwiki the future of search consumption?

Check out the #qwiki buzz on Twitter!

According to a survey on The Future of the Internet III by Pew Research, the following were predictions about technology and its roles in the year 2020:

- The mobile device will be the primary connection tool to the internet for most people in the world in 2020.


- The transparency of people and organizations will increase, but that will not necessarily yield more personal integrity, social tolerance, or forgiveness.


- Voice recognition and touch user-interfaces with the internet will be more prevalent and accepted by 2020.


- Those working to enforce intellectual property law and copyright protection will remain in a continuing arms race, with the crackers who will find ways to copy and share content without payment.


- The divisions between personal time and work time and between physical and virtual reality will be further erased for everyone who is connected, and the results will be mixed in their impact on basic social relations.


- Next-generation engineering of the network to improve the current internet architecture is more likely than an effort to rebuild the architecture from scratch.

Today, we see a lot discussion around topics such as mobile marketing, mobile advertising, mobile search, SMS services, barcode technology, mobile video, augmented reality, touch screen technology, location based services (LBS), and the list goes on. However, I believe we are still only scratching the surface of what mobile has to offer. Who knows what the next 10+ years of mobile innovation will bring us. I am not sure about you but I’m certainly excited.

Isn’t it time to rethink our perspective on mobile? What do you think?

There’s a lot of buzz around this thing called Semantic Search, and for good reason. The real goal behind semantic search technology is to essentially enable the retrieval of accurate information via concept or meaning match. Semantic search doesn’t replace the traditional web but has the power to enhance it. I don’t deny that today’s major search engines do a good job at answering most search inquiries. However, the great hope with semantic search is that it may one day be able to go beyond the keywords that we type, and find exactly what we mean. This is good news if you are a recruiter and in the business of search. If your job is tied to sourcing on the web, hop over to Boolean Black Belt with Glen Cathy and check out his fantastic post on Semantic Search for Sourcers and Recruiters. One look at his site and you will quickly see why I believe Glen Cathey is a search rock-star.

Oh, and of course, definitely make sure to grab a copy of the amazing whitepaper authored by Shally Steckerl and Bryan Starbuck (CEO of TalentSpring). You can download a copy of their whitepaper on semantic search by clicking here. If you’re on Twitter, and like their whitepaper, make sure to follow @Shally and @BryanStarbuck and let them know your thoughts!

In Japan, a new generation of job-seekers are using a company called Otetsudai Networks to secure part-time work. While contract staffing is nothing new in the U.S., Otetsudai has come up with an interesting solution to hiring temporary resources. Otetsudai Networks is a geolocation mobile service that matches part-time employees with potential employers.

How does the geolocation service help Job-seekers?

Job-seekers subscribe to the service by completing a mini-C.V. detailing their core skills and expertise. The job-seeker have the option of getting job updates by taking a “GPS reading” on their phone. The candidate’s information is added to the pool of available candidates shown to prospective employers. Once a new opportunity becomes available, the job-seeker is immediately notified on their mobile device of potential employment opportunities within their proximity.

How does Otetsudai’s service help employers?

The service particularly caters to businesses seeking to hire immediate resources with specific skills. Once an employer signs up for the service, they can send requests for immediate help to the Otetsudai Network. Whether the employer is seeking someone for an hour, or all day, Otetsudai sends a list of available prospect candidates within the employer’s immediate proximity. The list shows each candidate’s qualifications, how other employers have rated their work and exactly how far away they are. Employers seeking immediate help will typically receive a list of half a dozen or more people within a few minutes.

As location-based services (LBS) increase in popularity, it’s not hard to envision a day when U.S. companies begin leveraging this technology as a method for staffing its temporary workforce. Although still in its infancy, Layar offers an augmented reality app that provides job-seekers a way to identify new opportunities by scanning what’s around you. It’s simply a matter of time before we see U.S. companies adopting the Otetsudai model of leveraging geolocation to help mobilize a ready-made talent pool.

Does this still sound too good to be true? Watch the video below…

Salesforce.com produced a great video that explains cloud computing in laymen terms. Although the video has a bit of a “sales” spin, I think you will get the point of the video… enjoy!

TAT creates Augmented ID

TAT, a Swedish software and design company, recently developed a new concept called Augmented ID. Augmented ID uses facial recognition technology and offers a convenient method for viewing the digital identities of the people around you. This could prove to be an interesting way to “break the ice” and get to know people. Imagine having instant access to information about a conference speaker, trainer, new client, co-worker, or a person you just met at a Starbucks. Regardless of how it is used, the possibilities are quite exciting. However, at the moment, Augmented ID is not yet ready for prime-time. For now, see below for a brief video intro…

Want more AR videos from TAT? Check out their showroom for a peek at other cool apps.

Expect more AR apps for mobile devices in the future.

In case you missed the event, I co-presented on the topic of mobile recruiting with friend and fellow mobile enthusiast Chris Hoyt (AKA – RecruiterGuy). Oh, and while you are visiting his site, you might want to take a moment to read his most recent post, “What I learned (and taught) at Camp…”. Great stuff as usual. Finally, if you don’t already, I would highly encourage following Chris on Twitter. He’s definitely worth the follow…

Check out the Mobile Recruiting slideshow below…

Enjoy!

Please note, I have not used all of the services listed below but share this as a reference for you to further evaluate.  This list is still a work in progress.

Mobile SMS Solutions & Service Providers:

3jam – group messaging servic e via the web.  Message groups of up to 100. 3Jam offers free and premium service.

4INFO – 4INFO is the largest provider of free text message alerts and information in the United States. 4INFO is about bringing you the information you want, when you want it.

811 – Free SMS site for USA and Canada – unlimited messages.

88444 – 84444.com launches do-it-yourself mobile marketing campaigns from the convenience of your desktop computer.

Africa SMS – Allows to send instant alerts, text and deffered messages to mobile phones around the world from your desktop.

airPoop.com – Offers a free short text messaging and blogging service optimized for mobile phones.

Amethon Mobile Data Solutions – Mobile data solutions provider based in Sydney, Australia. Specialising in WAP and SMS based technologies. Offer outsourced WAP hosting and SMS gateway.

AspSMS – Features text, bulk and binary SMS, also includes delivery notification, operator logos, and ringtones.

Bond Wireless – Provider of global two-way SMS connectivity and applications.

Brand2Hand – Fully automated intelligent web based SMS communication tool. Live two way text campaign manager, Surveys, Competitions, Operator Logos, Ringtones and many other facilities. (online demo)

123bulksms – Bulk SMS messaging services and SMS Gateway connectivity provider.

Bulletin Online – Web tools and programs, broadcast text messaging worldwide, plus subscription based email to SMS.

Channelmobile – offers turnkey solutions for SMS, Bulk SMS, MMS, WAP Push Messaging, WAP Billing Solutions, Mobile Payment Gateways, Mobile Websites (Mobisites), Premium Rate SMS.

Cherple - Free text messages to US cell phones for anyone with an internet connection anywhere in the world. With Cherple you have to download their software and install it on your computer (Windows and Mac version available).

Clickatell (Pty) Ltd. – Provides bulk SMS messaging services and gateway connectivity. Headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa.

ClickSMS – Text messaging service and bulk SMS provider. based in the UK.

ClubTexting – allows your business to build text message marketing campaigns with our easy to use, affordable SMS text messaging software.

Connection Software – Send SMS text messages from a web page, PC or APIs.

Directtexting.com – SMS service for small to mid-size companies. Get a shared short code.

E-Call – SMS service giving an address book, history logbook, group lists, ringtones and screen graphics. Free and Premium versions of the service exist.

Egypt SMS – Corporate SMS solutions, supporting SMPP, EMI/UCP and HTTP with global coverage.

End2End – Mobile data services – Provides solution for M2M, telemetry, telematics, interactive SMS, number portability and mobile internet.

EzTexting – Ez Texting is a Group SMS Text Messaging solution for businesses large and small, groups, and individuals.

Everywhereigo - A self-service mobile solutions provider for individuals and companies seeking to build their own mobile website.

FunMail – MMS consumer and enterprise services for wireless carriers including comics, and greetings.

General Wireless – Provider of mobile messaging solutions based on the SMS, EMS, and MMS standards.

Google SMS – Offers United States local business listings, driving directions, movie showtimes, weather conditions, stock quotes and dictionary definitions on mobile phone.

Her.ph – Intercarrier text messaging gateway between North American wireless phone networks.

HeyWire – HeyWire allows users to text and chat on multiple screens. Start a conversation on your MAC, pick it up where you left off on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Currently in beta for PC & MAC.

iLoop -  iLoop Mobile is the leader in mobile technology and services that make mobile marketing and mobile content delivery fast, easy and compelling.

iMezz – iMezz.com offers global sms text message delivery to consumers and businesses worldwide.

Information Gateway – A wireless applications service provider offering a wide array of innovative products for mobile entertainment and messaging.

Inspirus – Provides SMS solution to Australian businesses.

InvolveMobile – Mobile marketing that is powerful and easy to use, with short code & bulk SMS.

iZigg – iZigg is building the largest worldwide mobile media community where businesses and people can now stay connected through the world’s most recognizable mobile media shortcode- 90210.

Joopz – SMS message from the web. Set up groups of up to 10 and mass-broadcast updates.  Free and premium service offerings available.

Kannel: Open Source WAP and SMS Gateway – Open Source for WAP and SMS Gateway. Sites provides downloads of the software and related documentation.

Loadntxt – Offers two-way text messaging service between the United States and the Philippines.

mBlox – SMS – Two-way services worldwide for entertainment, messaging and media applications; includes revenue collection services.

Mobile Alerts – Allows to send individualized SMS messages globally.

Mobile-Sender SMS – Mobile Sender provide free SMS services to the USA and around the world. Members can send unlimited amount of free messages.

Mobile Storm – Mobile Storm is proven mobile solutions provider with almost a decade of experience. They have delivered 2+ billion messages and executed a million email and mobile marketing campaigns on behalf of thousands of customers.

Mobivity – SMS solutions for users who wish to build their own mobile marketing campaigns.

Mtn Sms – Send SMS messages to MTN’s partner networks throughout the world.

Msg2Send – Msg2Send is a self-service SMS service that offers several tools to help you deliver an effective and efficient marketing campaign. Some of the features available are campaign builder, quick send, auto response, unique contact list management and unsubscribe options.

mResource – mResource provides a robust messaging platform designed to help employers deliver mobile recruitment campaigns. Not only can they help speed up the screening process with through their smart text messaging platform, but they can also provide mobile career site development.  Employers can easily view live results and integrate with existing ATS technology.

MX Telecom – Provider of SMS and MMS solutions, with direct connections to all the major UK carriers.

PhindMe.net (Recently acquired by Movitas) – A private labeled, easy to use technology that provides service organizations everything they need to mobile-enable their clients.

Pinger – Textfree lets iPhone and iPod touch owners send free text messages to any US mobile phone. Replies come free too!

Powered SMS – Allowing bulk sms via web to mobile, https covering worldwide network.
Promo2cell – Allows bulk SMS messages.

PSWin – SMS Gateway provider with global coverage. Advanced web-based service for setting up two-way SMS services and group messaging.

Qittle – Qittle helps businesses create, customize and manage a mobile marketing initiative.

Quios – Text messaging and news delivery to mobile devices.

Recruit2Mobile – Mobile Marketing/SMS Solution Provider for small to large companies.

Red Fish Media – Red Fish Media is a top tier provider of Mobile Marketing services and SMS applications.

Red Oxygen – Tools to send and receive SMS messages from Outlook, Lotus Notes and Microsoft Windows, or to integrate messaging capability into other applications.

Roam Secure – Offers an emergency communications service over SMS networks to handheld devices. Also offer email to SMS service.

SendaFreeSMS – Send Free SMS to any UK mobile using free TXTs services found online.

SendsmsNow – Send free sms to many countries including USA, Canada, India, Pakistan, Europe (not the UK), Figi, Kazakhstan, Kenya and other African countries.

Simplewire – Simplewire is a wireless messaging infrastructure and software provider.

2sms – Provides business text messaging service, allowing to communicate with people via mobile phone, direct from computer.

SmartReply – SmartReply is North America’s largest mobile marketing and mobile advertising provider, with the most comprehensive multi-channel solutions in the industry.

SMS-24 SMS Gateway – Offering fast and reliable worldwide SMS delivery at low cost, including pictures, logos and ringtones.

SMS Storm – Provides software for desktop sms service with no internet connection, just need mobile and pc.

SMS.ac – Global community system offering SMS and multimedia messaging services. Service includes an initial free message quota but does levy charges for sending messages to your phone introducing you to other users.

SMSalias – Send and receive short messages to mobile phones around the world from desktop.

SMSFax – Provide worldwide SMS bulk messaging tools and connectivity.

smsGeezer – Send SMS text messages from the web, email, a downloadable program, or Excel.

SMSWhiz – South African – bulk SMS aggregator. Multiple gateways. Delivery advertised globally.

sms2world – Provides you with a cost-free newsticker in the Internet, whose content you can easily update by means of SMS from your own cell-phone.

SumoText – mobile solutions provider for both individual users, as well as enterprise customers.

Tatango - connects all groups, organizations and businesses with their communities through text messaging.

Telsis Limited – Supplier of products and solutions for enhanced voice and video telecommunications services. England

Text2Land – Offers users the ability to send sms to landline phones.

Text For Free – Offers anonymous text messaging with no usage limits.

TextingForward – TextingForward provides clients with mobile marketing solutions using SMS technology.

TextMarks – TextMarks is an early stage company focused on making text messaging more powerful and more accessible. We empower individuals and organizations to “text message enable” their information and their web pages — and to do so in a matter of minutes.

TreasureMyText is an online SMS storage system.

TrueSenses – Swiss provider of SMS and MMS covering Europe, USA and Australia. Various interfaces supported.

Trumpia – Text messaging that fully integrates with your various social networks, IM, and email.

txt4biz – Professional text message solutions and bespoke software solutions for customised SMS.

TxtHire – Based out of South Africa, TxtHire specializes in providing “mobile recruitment” solutions for employers around the globe.

TxtImpact – TxtImpact offers SMS Gateway services such text message delivery using SMS gateway APIs. They offer both HTTP and SMPP interface for sending and receiving messages to and from US and worldwide carriers.

Wiana SMS mesh gateway – Send text messages for free to any bluetooth mobile connected to the meshAP network.

Wire2Air – makes it easy to stay connected with your customers, clientele or mobile organization.

Have a mobile site or service you would like added?

Feel free to provide your suggested site and I will be happy to add to this reference guide.  Start by visiting the “contact page” and make sure to leave a comment…»

Thanks for stopping by and come again soon!