Comments on: Poken is Touch and Connect Social Networking

By: Paul Stamatiou

Paul Stamatiou — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great post Allen. I definitely think there is going to be something within this space in the next 2-5 years but it’s going to come down to implementation. As several commenters pointed out on my article, having an extra keychain or fob to carry around is not the right answer. This is ideally suited as a mobile application.

By: Stéphane Doutriaux

Stéphane Doutriaux — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Paul,

It’s great that consumers and bloggers are starting to look into this space, so we can initiate a real discussion about how social networking fits with real-world networking. Your post, mentioned in Allen’s article, is a great start.

As you and others comment, carrying around a dedicated fob is only one answer to the question. Some people say it may be a lot easier as mobile phone app. As founder of Poken, of course I beg to differ. One simple example: USB memory sticks. For the past 10 years one could have achieved the same ends using a mobile phone: store files to your phone either with the a USB cable (on some phones) or via Bluetooth/Wifi. Then, beam them to someone else using Bluetooth, and let them download them back to their computer. You could even cut one step out by simply beaming them from your phone directly to their computer.

Well, the market has opted for carrying around an extra USB fob because it makes it so much simpler. The mobile phone is a great device for certain uses, but when it comes to replacing something that’s simple to achieve by other means, it’s not the answer, even if it means carrying around another fob. Compatibility, connectivity, parametrization, etc. all get in the way.

We’re very excited to be leading the way to a new means of connecting people. We fully agree that success will all come down to implementation: simple, natural gesture & usage, and cheap. Regarding getting to the masses, it’s also about being innovative in terms of distribution… Keep you eyes peeled!

By: Hugo

Hugo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I’m giving away free Pokens on my website Streamlined Mind for the end of the year, so if you want to have your own, you can enter the contest now.

By: Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wow, I love poken. I saw them in action at the Twisterval in london during february and it was absolutely incredible seeing people network instantly between each other. I cant wait to see more of them around london, it is going to spread like wild fire.

Mark

By: Carl

Carl — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

For UK poken, check out http://www.ilovepoken.com.

By: Hello My name is E

Hello My name is E — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Have anyone heard of Hello My name is E?

They are very big in the Netherlands, and look much more professional than Poken!!!

By: Austin

Austin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great!! I also love Poken and i also love the video. Awesome post and i just loved reading this. I must say by writing this you have really helped me a lot.

By: Zavier

Zavier — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Poken is coming out in Australia towards the end of April. This website is the first one in Australia taking some pre-orders for them:

http://www.ozgadgets.com.au/fun-gadgets/poken