The XBIZ Weekly Tech Watch

This week's Tech Watch brings some bad news on the heels of the faltering economy, but there's also plenty of news about fun new toys to distract from hard times.

• The bubble for Web 2.0 startups may be starting to burst – if it hadn't burst already. Adult social media and networking website Zivity.com was able to raise $1 million in venture capital, but this week, the company laid off 13 staff members. Elsewhere around the web, music website Pandora.com laid off 14 percent of its staff, tagging website Fleck.com is up for sale, Microsoft has given up on MSN Groups, and AdBrite has laid off 40 percent of its staff. Meanwhite, eBay has hit a slump, although Skype is doing well.

• On that note, MyWonderfulLife.com helps users plan their own funerals.

• FriendFeed has built a handy new liveblogging tool.

• Webmasters may want to check out the recently launched polling engine PollDaddy.com.

Blip.fm pitches itself as a Twitter for music.

• The Karaoke Channel has launched an online portal.

• Just out of Japan are these new pedometers that also include a small role-playing game.

• Webmasters interested in direct advertising solutions may want to try FatTail.com.

XTranormal.com lets anyone build a 3D Flash movie.

• This futuristic new phone attaches the speaker and receiver to fingers to make for a more robotic experience.

• Adult moviemakers might find use in this new camera that delivers wall-eye effects instantly.

• Old iPhones can have GPS capability with this new gizmo that plugs right into it.

• Flock, a web browser that aggregates social-networking activity, has released its newest version.

• This bit of news is for super-geeks only, but scientists have discovered a way to write words built out of individual atoms.

• Heavy-duty – and rich – travelers may be interested in this fancy mobile home built out of an old garbage truck.

• Social-networking website BrightKite.com helps track people's locations.

• Food enthusiasts may be interested in this review of a home soda maker.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Pineapple Support to Launch 'Wellbeing by PS' Initiative

Pineapple Support has announced its Wellbeing by PS initiative, naming new team member Amber Madden to head the project.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Show More