As I have mentioned I have been advising VortexDNA. The Vortex guys are getting some great results (there will be more about that in the near future) with their technology and they’re looking at testing some interesting ideas.
Given that they have nailed the issue of relevance they are now pushing out and have started investigating the idea of the ‘My Web Hypothesis’:
Technology start-up VortexDNA is asking for volunteers to test the hypothesis that there is not just one Web.
Embedded within cyberspace, the organisation claims, there could be hundreds or even thousands of different web-worlds, each relevant to a group of people who share a similar outlook on life.
“This could lead to a profound change in the way we think about cyberspace and create a better web experience for everyone, “comments VortexDNA director Branton Kenton-Dau.
Called the ‘MyWeb’ hypothesis, the idea of thousands of web-worlds embedded in cyberspace is now being tested.
“Just as Newton passed sunlight through a prism to discover the entire spectrum of colour, VortexDNA wants to pass Google search results through a prism of your ‘DNA’ to see if your purpose, values and life focus provide you with a better search result,” explains Kenton-Dau.
When you think about it this is a very powerful concept … it’s the idea that amorphous mass of data that is the web can be tuned to match you, your needs and your goals. The Vortex guys are offering on of the key benefits of a walled garden app but on the public web … yeah, that’s pretty big
To test this idea on a larger group of users they are looking for people to start using their Firefox plugin.
I attended the Aquaflow Bionomic test drive this afternoon - a world first running of a vehicle on bio-diesel derived from wild algae. The car was running on a standard B5 blend.
The world’s first wild algae bio-diesel, produced in New Zealand by Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation, was successfully test driven in Wellington today by the Minister for Energy and Climate Change Issues, David Parker.
Well it looks like we can now buy tracks from iTMS here in NZ:
Now Open: The New iTunes Store Visit New Zealand’s newest entertainment superstore and start building your collection of digital music, music videos, audiobooks, podcasts, and iPod games from the comfort of your computer. Simply launch iTunes 7 on your PC or Mac and click “iTunes Store.” Any time, day or night, you can find and buy what you want in mere seconds. And you can even give gifts with just a few clicks.
The “New Zealand” option is yet to appear in my iTunes.
I’d actually like to stand up and say thanks to Rod for setting a great example for other tech angels here in NZ… It shows a real understanding of the organic nature that is required to create a strong tech product base here in NZ - allowing everyone to win big.
A country that is essentially energy self-reliant in a world that is desperate for energy: How wonderful is that? As for other issues that plague the U.S., like immigration: Let’s just say that New Zealand has plenty of room for the best and the brightest.
For international investors looking at countries in which to invest, those considering New Zealand can find comfort in knowing that they don’t have to worry about waking up some morning to find their assets have just been confiscated by the local government. As for leadership and vision, the Kiwis have it, although getting everyone to share that vision will be the next progressive step for them.
The bad (hint: our elected reps are still don’t get the new world):
…I continually experienced a strange, yet pervasive, lack of optimism for the future of New Zealand and a lack of confidence in business and the economy. For lack of a better term, it might be called “The New Zealand Blues.”
These feelings might best be summed up by a statement made by a government minister during a business meeting I attended in Wellington. Imagine my surprise when, in the midst of a talk, he declared, “We must always remember, we are a small and isolated country.”
To my dismay, a quick review of the meeting room revealed a number of heads nodding in agreement. Perhaps, if I lived in New Zealand, I might agree.
But I don’t live in New Zealand, and I don’t agree.
