F2F Augmented Matchmaking Systems

February 10th, 2007 · 6 Comments

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Tiberius Brastaviceanu has created the Matchmaking Device System.

This invention combines wireless technology and Internet into a very low-cost device, and enables individuals in densely populated resorts, at large gatherings, in nightclubs, in densely populated urban settings, etc., to be aware of nearby individuals sharing similar interests, and to decide to meet them based on their compatibility.

Limiting the use to “specific social events�? doesn’t make sense although other section of his business description are more on target.

I’ve used a few of these systems, and while they are novel at first, I quickly tire of the blinking/bleeping and false positives they tend to exhibit in crowded spaces.

I would rather see a talented party host guide the evening than rely on automated profile matching. “Hey, we both like beer�? is not exactly a conversation starter.

Charmed Technology and many other companies are marketing various variations on the personal matchmaking gadget theme. This sort of functionality belongs in my mobile phone, I don’t need yet another piece of limited-functionality gear taking up valuable space in my pack. Perhaps Tiberius will send me a version to review.

6 responses so far ↓

1 Julien (Check me out!) // Feb 10, 2007 at 4:54 pm
I have on my Nokia an application called Sensor ( http://www.nokia-asia.com/nokia/0,,78472,00.html) which is about sharing a profile in your mobile and find people around you that match your interests. You can also share pictures, music and so on over bluetooth.
Would be even better if it could be linked with an online profile to avoid duplication.
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2.4
2 David Evans (Check me out!) // Feb 10, 2007 at 5:07 pm
That looks cool. First take at mobile discovery services. I like the over-the-air update capability. Too bad it hasn’t been updated in over a year.
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3.2
3 Tiberius Brastaviceanu (Check me out!) // Feb 12, 2007 at 1:17 pm
High tech devices like PDAs, and cellular phones combine wireless technology, Internet connection, and computing power, and propose very interesting solutions for social interaction. The Matchmaking Device System doses not belong to this class. This system is designed primarily for use in a very specific social context. It is very low cost (although very potent and versatile) and can be distributed to all participants. It is designed to be part of the atmosphere, to be in the spirit of the event, to be carried and used by everybody at the event. By its shape, color, and functionality, the Matchmaking Bracelet, Glass, Key Chain, Necklace, becomes a central part of that specific event. A cell phone with matchmaking capability is a very interesting tool, but it will never become THE party, it will never stand out.
You have to see it as another “cool�? device in the toolbox of singles event organizers. The Matchmaking Device is not meant to be sold to the general public. It is so cheep to produce that it can be given, or included in the price of the event. Moreover, it has the potential to become a very powerful marketing tool, as it carries the name of the dating company, and works in conjunction with a dating website. It is the link between the online and offline community.

Tiberius Brastaviceanu
Inventor of this new Matchmaking Device System
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3.0
4 David Evans (Check me out!) // Feb 12, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Why give away when Lovegety sold $8.75 million worth in two months?

I think the dating industry is the last place this is going to take off. I question your reasoning that there are enough live events to justify creating enough market demand to drive prices down to the point where the device can be given away.

Companies often come here thinking they can grab market share and then expand into other verticals.

In your case its better to focus on higher-yield industries with a secondary focus on dating and social networking.
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3.2
5 Tiberius Brastaviceanu (Check me out!) // Feb 12, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Thank you for the challenge David, I appreciate your critics as they stimulate me to think and to better conceptualize my intuitions.
Here is my answer to your latest comment. I believe that in the near future dating will be an integrated service provider that will amalgamate online as well as offline activities. There is already a market for low-cost F2F augmented matchmaking systems, and this market will explode.
Why give away? Well, perhaps you are right. For the moment I see it more as a promotional tool, apart from the fact that this device plays a crucial role in a singles event. Dating sites pay 40%, 50% and even up to 90% of the membership fees in commission through their affiliate program. My Matchmaking Device will cost under 2$ if it is mass-produced in China. Now imagine this scenario. The Matchmaking Device System is adopted by a dating organization. A popular nightclub downtown San Francisco decides to use this product, and to go partner with this dating organization. The nightclub gets the devices from the dating organization, and distributes them massively. The catch is that in order to use the Matchmaking Device System you have to be a member of the dating organization (it works in conjunction with a dating site). If everybody at the club has one, everybody will want one; the party organizers also encourage this. The nightclub likes it, they see it as a great tool to get the party going, and it doesn’t cost them a penny. The dating organization likes it because it draws people to their community, and because it acts as a promotional item by carrying its name. Most daters already pay for online dating. They will have no problem to switch for a better service.

Tiberius Brastaviceanu
Inventor of this new Matchmaking Device System
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3.0
6 David Evans (Check me out!) // Feb 13, 2007 at 12:44 pm
A compelling story, we’ll see if your predictions come true. I don’t think people are ready for computer-augmented F2F matching systems, perhaps you will prove me wrong.
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3.2

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