Technology: Communication
The Smellophone
a German syndicate has filed a patent for applications allowing users to send scents via cell phones, and expects the new capability will reach market less than two years from now with about 100 different prefabricated scents on the required chip. The principle is simple and requires no additional hardware. All you will need is a mobile scent phone and an SD smart card sized chip, which provides a wide variety of scents. The scent chip can be accessed through various applications: via SMS and MMS, from a connected computer or special mobile scent programs on the cell phone. Users are allowed to accept or reject an incoming scent message in order to avoid stink-bomb spam.
May 6, 2008, 19:17

Technology: Communication
Israel's YouFig fuses online social networks
In schools in Florida and being tested by a handful of Fortune 500 companies, YouFig creates a virtual community center where people can interact and create online content in a way never before possible. The company, founded in 2007, says that it is pioneering the evolution of real-time online collaboration. It allows people to mimic classic face-to-face meetings, while taking advantage of networking and group thought. Now in beta testing mode and set to be released publicly by the end of the year, YouFig provides its members with a virtual workspace. Equipped with tools such as wikis, video conferencing, and instant messaging, YouFig encourages people to work together on any topic and with any type of media such as games, videos, documents, and spreadsheets. YouFig allows people to use and create "widgets," which are small applications that can be easily shared among peers and in other networks. Funded by ICQ founder Yossi Vardi, an Israeli entrepreneur, and based in Herzliya Pituach, YouFig launched its alpha site last August and its beta site this past January.
Mar 11, 2008, 17:55

Technology: Communication
Start-up Youfig attracts communities
Israeli start-up Youfig Ltd. has launched a beta version of its user-generated content platform. Within a week, 30 large and small companies and academic institutions have set up cooperation communities on the company's website.
Feb 6, 2008, 13:39

Technology: Communication
Gadget turns your laptop into a cellphone
Israeli startup EIM Telecom will present their new gadget, Skuku, at the Mobile World Congress for GSM3 technology in Barcelona, which is set to bite into cellular company revenues from overseas calls. The device is a USB that connects to cellular phone SIM cards, and upon connection to a computer, loads a program that emulates a cellular phone, including access to all contacts. Upon connection, calls can be placed through the computer via microphone and earphones at the cost of a local call, from anywhere in the world. Calls can also be received to the normal cellular number, and SMS messages sent and received.
Feb 5, 2008, 12:54

Technology: Communication
Israel's UTC brings text-messaging underwater
The company Underwater Technologies Center (UTC), founded in 2003, has developed the world's first underwater SMS-like text messaging device. The device known as the Underwater Digital Interface (UDI), lets users send text messages underwater, or alerts when in danger. Worn on the wrist like a dive computer, the device introduces new elements to underwater communications, navigation and safety. It will hit American dive shops this month, and is expected to cost about $1,600 per unit.
Feb 4, 2008, 13:09