Today I learned about two new methods for exchanging contact details. While these don't have anything to do with maritime or transportation law, I continue to be amazed as the offshoots of social networking (as well as still trying to figure out a good use for Twitter (at least for myself), so I thought a post was warranted.
The first is making the rounds at SXSW and is called Poken. Essentially, it is a keyring RFID unit that transmits your basic information and social networking data to other poken users. The "cutesy" aspect is that the key-rings are in the shape of little creatures and when they high-four (they only have four fingers) they information is transmitted. The devices hold up to 64 contacts and when you are back home, a usb connector lets you upload the data to your contact database and social networking sites. Poken is apparently gaining traction in Europe and it is clearly being marketed to tweens, teens and young adults but with some re-branding (and maybe less cute devices) it might take hold in a business community too. You can buy Poken devices from UK storefronts, such as here.
The second method is Contxt and I have to thank Ernie Svenson at Ernie the Attorney for pointing this one out. Essentially, it allows people to share contact details and social networking data through SMS. You text a users name to 50500 and you get the user's info. A lot easier than a hand full of business cards. Text messaging fees apply per your carrier but I cannot imagine that would stop most people from using this currently free (best testing) service.
