IntoNow - The Amazing App I Overlooked

As a technology news writer I do my best to stay on top of the technology news using a myriad of platforms, services, and tools. Soon after I started, I soon realized it was impossible to keep up with and know about everything that was changing, launching, or merging. Even still; I try.

On January 31, 2011 a startup called IntoNow launched their revolutionary new iPhone app. I missed this news, but did learn of the company later on when Yahoo! purchased it in April for about $20 million; not bad for having just launched their first product only three months prior. Even at this time I didn't pay much attention because of the issues at Yahoo! and other news that overpowered it.

Then, at the end of July, IntoNow for Android was released upon the world. I would see this news story and pause for a moment to see what the service was all about. It was another TV check-in app like Miso, Clicker, and Philo. So I thought! The rate of information flowing through my brain allowed me only a few moments to scan the service's hompage and nothing jumped out at me that would differentiate it from the other social entertainment services like it.

Just a couple weeks ago I learned that the iPad had it's own version now. What did this app do? I said to myself... it must be more than a simple check-in service to account for this rapid expansion! Finally I grabed my Android phone and install it. WOW! IntoNow can listen to what is on TV and identify the show or movie you are watching. Consider it the Shazam of video.

This product is pure genius on a technology and consumer level. The proprietary technology (covered by patent 7,516,074) is called SoundPrint and has an index of over 2.6 million videos. That is more than 140 million minutes of aired shows that is constantly updated. In just seconds it listens to the show to identify what it is, and if it is a TV show, what season and episode you are watching. Because of the algorithmic speed the app has no problem identifying first run shows that are being indexed at the same time you are querying them. They have data for anything that has aired on television in the last 5 years.

On the consumer side IntoNow bridges the gap that other check-in services struggle with. The biggest obstacle to checking-in to a broadcast is searching for the show,movie, or event and, in many cases, creating the entry yourself. Miso is making progress by partnering with AT&T U-verse and DirecTV for faster check-ins, but nothing beats Yahoo! and IntoNow. Social sharing, stats, and information all accompany the iPad version as seen in the below video. The other platform versions also have excellent features to go along with the mind boggling video identification magic show.

Download IntoNow for Android or iOS today and let me know what you think in the comments. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

NoQ Lets Australians Skip The Food Queue

NoQ has made its debut in Australia! With the iPhone app you can order your takeout food or coffee ahead of time to avoid the lines. The built in credit card payment solution allows you to securely pay for your order using a PIN you previously selected (good idea in case you ever lost your phone).

The app lets you search for participating locations near you, by food items, or you can browse the menu of one of the current vendors. Once your order is completed you will be given a pick-up time and code. Just show the code at the counter when you get there and you will be ready to feast! Be sure to hide that evil smirk as you walk out the door in front of all the people waiting. Stores only need a computer and internet connection to connect with the service and their customers.

Keep up with NoQ on Facebook and Twitter. It is nice to see this space heating up; ChowNow and Spotze are solutions in the US.

MoBubble To Help Connect With Consumers With Service Providers

MoBubble looks to be an interesting and really useful iPhone app that is currently in beta test. From reading their blog I believe users can expect a slick app that will connect people with businesses in your local area.

Consumers would be able to see who is offering what in their area and businesses can find what people are looking for. You really could build a business based on what people need, but are not getting. The app should also be simple for consumers to search and find services they require. A reputation system will be part of it along with many other features, including social integration.

I hope an Android app will follow and that there will be a web interface. You can follow their progress on Twitter and Facebook. Founded by Stephen Boyd, John Eisberg, and David Knell. Like many new technology companies it's success depends on wide (or regional) adoption, heavy promotion, and time.

Infographic and Commentary of Rumored Apple iPhone 5 Features

NowhereElse has produced a great infographic showing all the rumored features of the upcoming iPhone 5 launching this year. The progress bar below each shows the chance it will be true. With the information Sony revealed yesterday I think we could crank up the "Better Camera" to about 95%! Below the image you can read my thoughts on which will be there or not.



Better Camera - I agree that the 8 megapixel camera will be there.
No Home Button - I highly doubt they would get rid of the physical button all together; having it on the side is very possible.
Bigger Screen - I agree it will be larger, but not by much. Freeing up space by moving the home button would make this a reality. Making the screen to much larger and therefore the phone would not be good. After all, this is a phone and not the iPad.
Better Resolution - Won't happen; if it does it would be for output only and not the native screen.
Same Design - Agreed; they nailed the design with the iPhone 4.
New Design - Not now; iPhone 6 would be a better time.
White Models - Yes they will have a white version.
Physical Keyboard - No way
64 Gigabyte Version - I hope they at least offer it.
Full High-Def Video Recording - No way
Low-Cost Models - Would not happen; not the way Apple does business.
No Internal Storage - Unlikely
3D Display - No
Better Battery - They always try to improve, but I believe more control and longer life will come from the software/programming.
CDMA - Done deal; it will be there.
R-UIM MicroCards Compatible - Not sure on this one.
Duel SIM Cards - No, and why would it?
NFC Technology - Yes, I certainly hope it is there. NFC is where things are headed.
A5 Processor - It will be in the iPhone 5.
More RAM - Not needed unless they are going to compete with the Atrix.
HDMI Output - Would be a nice to have, but I will say it won't be there.
4G/LTE Support - Not sure
New Voice Controls - Expect it
iTunes Cloud - Sure, but it would be an app that you could get on all iPhones.
iOS 5 - It will launch with the 5th iPhone
Availability - I would estimate a Holiday season launch (October).

What do you think will be there or not? Let everyone know in the comments.