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October 18, 2006
Now That's an Avatar
Posted by Dave Evans
Dating site avatars which help singles search, browse and communicate with each other continue to gain popularity, if only during planning sessions for the next generation of dating sites coming out in Q1 2007. Eharmony and Match have their DVD and video series, which is fine for some people. The rest of us need to be told what to do by a snarky avatar like the one at Msdewey.com. The experience interacting with a Flash-based avatar is initially appealing, but the site is more like a proof of concept search engine, it's got nothing on Google when it comes to quick hits.
As much as I like Oddcast, it's too cartoony and other avatar solutions are either too expensive or complicated. Flash video like this will become de rigeur as broadband penetration continues.
I've looked at the profile and relationship help at Yahoo and other sites, which are often designed by designers who are not single, force you to change context from the profile page to some other Flash-based area of the site and don't provide more than the absolute basics, let alone advanced hints and tips on taking advantage of all the services the site has to offer.
Where are the dating site helper apps?
Technorati Tags: helper+app, msdewey, dating+guide
Comments (3)
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1. Michael on October 18, 2006 10:48 AM writes...
I must say that Oddcast reminds a lot like Max Headrom from the 70's.
Permalink to Comment2. Marcel Heyne on October 18, 2006 11:07 AM writes...
Hi there,
check http://www.relationeering.de/Laurae/ for an Oddcast-based prototype. Has been implemented in Germany (the german version, off course ...).
The value added besides "standard advice" is a psychological personality test which offers personalized dating advice.
Greetz,
Marcel
Permalink to Commentwww.relationeering.de
3. Shaival Shah on October 23, 2006 1:41 PM writes...
Hey Dave-
I am the VP, Business Development and Strategy at Oddcast and happened to come across your post. We carry shared enthusiasm for the opporunity that avatars present individuals to represent themselves online with their own, unique digital IDs. You draw out some very meaningful points regarding the Oddcast Avatar styles and the price points. We will be unveiling our new consumer platform in Q1 2007 that will be free to the consumer and we are also currently working on photo upload and conversion to empower consumers with an infinite ability to customize your own identity. From photo realistic to illustrative to cartoon to anime as our styles, with a wide array of models within each style and a set of sophisticated options to further customize your model to look and feel the identity you look to adopt. Stay tuned and keep the continued feedback coming. Feel free to email me directly anytime. Take care.
Best,
Permalink to CommentShaival