More Other Countries IP Communications Stories
September 21, 2011
TMCnet Contributor
Ireland’s Fifth Province Ventures (News - Alert) is gearing up to debut two new products in the U.S. this week. The first is WISP, a location-based platform that promises to make social networking secure and another is a gaming platform called Relax and Race.
WISP, which runs on iPhone (News - Alert) and Android platforms, encourages users to build their own location-based social network to make sure that they meet real people and engage in real interactions.
Designed for PCs and mobile phones, the gaming platform teaches users how to manage stress. Central to the platform is the PIP (Personal Input Pod) -- a technology that measures the user's stress response and transmits the data wirelessly to a Bluetooth host.
The technology enables people to manage stress in a fun and engaging way when they are on the move. As users become better at the game they learn the techniques unique to them to manage their own stress. Analysts say it could be an ideal tool for the busy tech-savvy professional that's always on the go.
The debut coincides with the visit by Ireland's Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton. Enterprise Ireland (News - Alert) is the government organization responsible for the development and growth of Irish businesses in world markets.
The company will also hold shows to demonstrate how the platform uses virtual connectivity to encourage real interaction.
“The Relax and Race demo will involve allowing two people to join a racing game, each person relaxing and the person most relaxed winning the race,” the company said in a statement.
"Within our vibrant social media universe, a great paradox exists. We spend more and more time online, gathering legions of friends, yet the quality and quantity of face-to-face connectivity diminishes. In addition, these 'free' applications demand that we compromise basic human privacy rights,” says Fifth Province Ventures' CTO, Dr. Gary McDarby.
Narayan Bhat is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Narayan’s articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Rich Steeves