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FTC finds 'Shark Tank' connected breathalyzers are inaccurate
Accuracy is a big issue with wearables and all sorts of connected devices. Despite marketing claims of "government-lab grade testing," the Federal Trade Commission found that Breathometer's app-connected breathalyzers weren't as accurate as the company promised. Government regulators said the company didn't have the scientific evidence to back the claims it was pitching to consumers who were looking for a way to stay safe after drinking.
At the CES 'Shark Tank' open call, the optimism is infectious
"I just want to do the royalty, because I develop formulas for cancer. So, I want to use Michael's money to help heal the world," a gray-haired man in a kung-fu uniform explained, his face perfectly serene as he explained his purported friendship with Michael Jackson. In a different setting, the situation might have been seemed bizarre, but three hours into open auditions for ABC's reality show Shark Tank at this year's Consumer Electronic Show, it was par for course.
This smart cookie jar will only open if you deserve it
It's generally understood that being able to delay your gratification helps you to become more successful. Resisting everything but temptation can be difficult, which is why the kSafe is stepping in when your resolve weakens. Essentially, the kSafe is an oversized cookie jar, but one that'll only let you get at its tasty treats inside if you've achieved something that day.
App featured on Shark Tank reaches App Store's top spot
ABC's entrepreneur investor reality show Shark Tank is currently the number one TV show in its Friday time slot, drawing 6.4 million viewers total and 1.7 million in the ever-important 18-49 demographic. A panel of millionaires and billionaires listen to pitches from entrepreneurs looking for investors in their companies. Some people walk away with millions of dollars in investments, others with nothing. But how does an appearance on the show impact your company when you don't win over the investors? For one app developer, the answer is swimmingly. Garret Gee's startup Scan appeared this past Friday, October 12, on the show seeking US$1 million for his QR-code scanning mobile app. While his pitch was denied by the investors, viewers were sold, and his app has jumped wildly in the charts since the show aired. On Thursday, Scan, which sells for $1.99, was 150 out of all paid apps in the App Store and number five out of the utilities apps. After the appearance on Shark Tank, the app hit number one on the paid utilities apps and 25 out of all paid apps. On Friday, Gee wrote to AllThingsD to explain his motives for going on the show. "We were open to a deal, but exposure was definitely a top priority/perk." While the investors on the show weren't impressed, the company has been noticed by some powerful players in the tech world. Recently Entree Capital, Google Ventures and Menlo Ventures valued Scan at $21 million, and the company has raised over $7 million dollars to date. Even without the investors' money, it seems like the Shark Tank appearance was a wise investment of Gee's time.
