api

Joost Goes Live With Public Beta

Joost.com Logo

Joost has officially launched it’s public beta. This means that you no longer need a special invite in order to use the service. It must be stated however that Joost is still a BETA product, so be weary of whatever bugs or quirky UI stuff you may encounter. This version of Joost does contain a couple of user interface enhancements such as search and better navigation across videos in the site. But what may be the biggest offering is the Joost API, which is now open for developers to create third-party applications. So expect to see numerous Joost based widgets popping up on websites in the near future.

I wonder if LocateTV can tell me when programs will be aired on Joost. I’ll have to look into that. In the meantime, if you want to watch an interview that was conducted with the CEO of Joost, check it out on NewTeeVee

Amazon Sponsoring Startup Contest

AmazonWebServices LogoAmazon Web Services announced that they will be holding a STARTUP Challenge, or a contest of the best startup using their own API. The winner will receive $50,000 cash as well as $50,000 worth of AWS credits.

The grand prize winner will also receive mentoring sessions from an AWS technical expert, and an investment offer from Amazon. Four second place winners will receive $5,000 in AWS credits, and anyone that qualifies in the contest will receive $25 of AWS credits.

Amazon is wanting developers to come up with original ideas while also leveraging the pay-as-you-go technology offered by AWS. I think all of us are looking for originality and this contest may be what is needed to spur at least a little innovation.

Interested developers (only US residents and privately-held companies based in the US may apply) can join at aws.amazon.com/startupchallenge no later than 11:59 P.M. (PT) on October 28, 2007.

FaceBook Having Trouble Staying Up

Facebook.comThird party applications may be hammering away at the Facebook API. According to Mashable, Facebook has reportedly gone down for extended periods of time today. Looks to me as if the applications combined with the enormous amount of popularity is causing Facebook to stumble a bit.

As far as I can tell, Facebook is back to normal as I recently created my own Facebook account which can be viewed here Be sure to add me as a friend if you get the chance.