Widgets, widgets galore: MatchKey, MuseStorm, FeedHub
Three more companies making new micro-applications that track and deliver media preferences.
Matchmine allows consumers to figure out what kind of media they like by creating a MatchKey, or a visualization of their preferences.
Just give a ZIP code, date of birth and rate some movies, blogs, etc. with a star system a la Netflix. Users can share their MatchKey with friends and/or advertisers, but not any personal information. The Facebook widget version show what the person has in common with his or her friends--like Flixster, but not in list form. Matchmine has an API online for developers to create their own cute little widgets or different ways of visualizing preferences. Partners of Matchmine get access to the media in a MatchKey if the MatchKey has been shared. This, of course, helps them deliver relevant ads to you.
MuseStorm makes widgets. It's a platform for making desktop widgets and mobile apps, and then lets customers monetize them. The presenters say it can be done in three minutes--Facebook apps, Google Gadgets and a variety of desktop applications. Users don't need to know anything about making widgets, just how to make a PowerPoint presentation. MuseStorm creation process works in a similar manner way--by creating a series of slides. MuseStorm says it tracks impressions and unique visitors to each widget.
FeedHub delivers just the stuff you want via RSS. How does it do it? Based on your personal preferences. Nice. It isn't a new feed reader, instead it improves the relevancy of your feeds. FeedHub works with Google Reader, Bloglines and more. Once you've uploaded OPML files, FeedHub analyzes what you've uploaded and shoots you back the stuff via RSS that you've shown you like the best. It knows this by what you've clicked on or sent to a friend. You can also explicitly say which sources you do or don't like, and a small icon shows how and why it thinks you will like something. Also links up with your blog, your Digg profile and more.
Erica Ogg is a CNET News reporter who covers Apple, HP, Dell, and other PC makers, as well as the consumer electronics industry. She's also one of the hosts of CNET News' Daily Podcast. In her non-work life, she's a history geek, a loyal Dodgers fan, and a mac-and-cheese connoisseur. E-mail Erica.
