Anti-Social Networking - Smart badges
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nTag (www.ntag.com) is a smart badge designed to aid in the initial introduction at functions. The device is equipped with a black-and-white LCD display and an IR port. When you arrive at an event that uses nTag, the device comes pre-loaded with some basic information about you (i.e., your name, location, job title) along with some key information pertinent to the event (such as what your job duties are or who you might like to meet). This information would be collected from you prior to the event, most likely when you sign up to attend the function. The smart badges allegedly allow users to exchange contact information digitally, find out if the person you’re talking to knows anyone else of interest, and take event-wide polls. To obtain all the valuable information collected at the event, users will need to log onto a website sent via email after the event and download all the information.
(I think getting a room full of developers to wear a 6-ounce electronic badge is an icebreaker in itself.)
The smart badge isn’t the only technology in the marketplace for social networking. USB drives are finding their way into the hearts and ports of businessmen. “I’ve seen USB drives rapidly gaining acceptance over the past 12 months. A year ago they were a novelty, but today they are commonplace,” says Robert Bradford, a professional speaker from Michigan.
As the USB grows in ubiquity, the USB flash drive—also known as flash memory drive, flash key, pen drive, or thumb drive—becomes a more convenient way to transport files.
The portability and instant access make these devices a welcome addition to the information exchanging process. They are especially useful in instances where executives wish to distribute lengthy company specs and graphs without wasting reams of paper. Developers and teams may also use them to share files on certain projects. Bradford says, “Basically, I think USB drives have increased the bandwidth of conversations I would be having anyway, because now I can say ‘Here, have this directory full of files. I’m sure one or two will be useful to you.’”
“In the next 12-24 months, I expect to see much greater use of USB drives, especially as 16-32MB models become available at prices that make giveaways a reasonable idea for your marketing budget,” he continues.
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