Last week the SPdL team attended Demo Fall 2010, a launchpad for emerging technology that took place in Santa Clara. There were many impressive companies, but I’ve narrowed it down to the top three that wowed me.
Dynamics, Inc. (links to video)
Dynamics, Inc. is attempting to change the way we use our credit cards. Actually, they are completing re-writing the book. Is it ambitious? Yes. Is there solution incredible? Yes.
“Dynamics, Inc. produces next-generation interactive payment cards that utilize programmable magnetic stripes to communicate dynamic information to the 60 million 1970′s era magnetic stripe readers that are used in our day to day payment card transactions.”
In simpler terms, Dynamics Inc. has created new forms of credit cards that can change the data on the magnetic strip, at any moment. On their Hidden™ card, you notice right away there are 6 missing digits in the 12 digit credit number. On further inspection, you realize there is a digital screen in this space. Now, this is where it gets really interesting. In order to make those missing numbers appear, you must punch in a 4 letter pin code. There are 5 buttons, letters A-E, on the top right of the card. When you punch in your code, the numbers appear, and the magnetic strip becomes activated. You can then slide it in any regular magnetic strip reader, and the card will function just as any other credit card.
After you make a purchase, you can de-activate the card, the 6 digits disappear, and the card becomes a worthless piece of plastic. It also has a built-in mechanism that turns off the card after a short amount of inactivity. This makes the card virtually theft proof, as the thief would have to know your pin to make any purchase whatsoever. Did I mention the cards are not only the same thickness as a regular card, but also waterproof? Founder Jeff Mullen claims that we will see this technology in the consumer market soon, possibly by the end of the year. Keep your eyes pealed, I know I will.
Bump.com (links to video)
Bump.com is a free integrated web and mobile messaging platform that lets users send a message to the owner of any license plate in the U.S., at any time. Let them know if they left their lights on, they have an oil leak, or that they’re parked in your spot. You can send an email, text, or voice message. In order to receive a message, the license plate owner must “claim” their plate on Bump.com, which is part of a free registration process. Once registered, users can participate in geolocation-based messages, discounts, and offers. Think Foursquare, but while you’re in your vehicle. If you have a Bump account and you’re on the highway, you might get a notice that informs you of a $5 discount at a restaurant off the next exit. Pretty neat.
In the near future, Bump will roll out an advanced version with a business-oriented use – while in the drive-through line at a fast-food restaurant, the license-plate-recognition software registers your car and takes note of your purchase. The next time you drive through, the software recognizes your car yet again, remembers your last purchase and displays on the order screen a personalized, special offer.
Zappli, Inc. (links to video)
Full disclosure: SPdL helped this company in their development stage, and they are a current client. We aided their launch, and you’ll actually see Sandra in the demo video.
Zappli wants to shift purchasing power back to the consumer. The goal is to give the consumer everything they need to make an informed purchase while in the store, all in the palm of their hand. Zappli created and launched a one-stop social shopping app called myShopanion. You can access information on millions of products by searching by keyword, browsing by category, or scanning a barcode. This is great if you’re in the store so you can see right away if you can get a product cheaper online. If so, you can buy straight from the app.
Another cool factor is that you can connect with friends and ask for opinions and advice. According to statistics, 2/3 of consumers ask friends and family their opinions and advice before buying a product. myShopanion connects the dots between social networking and shopping. You can post on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email to ask a question – your friends can make a comment (they don’t need the app) and you will receive the feedback instantly on your phone. Never shop alone again, my friends!
