Oct 1st, 2009
Google rolls out preview of Wave
"Real-time collaboration on the Web 'is a natural evolution' for how people use the Internet, said Rony Zarom, founder and CEO of Watchitoo, a startup that allows people to view video and other Web content simultaneously with their friends, and that plans to soon offer video conferencing and real-time document editing to companies and schools. What started as 'e-mail being the major platform for communication, moved on to instant messaging, and now you can see social networking taking those broad approaches as the major communication platform" Zarom Said. Collaboration is the next trend, "more and more companies see that as the next trend on the Internet."
Sep 9, 2009
Google Wave Faces Tougher Test in Rollout to 100K Users - Startups Embrace Real-Time Collaboration
"Another startup, Watchitoo, makes a platform that allows users to share content while communicating in real time, granting users the ability to conduct video chats and share content in real time. Currently targeted for consumers, Watchitoo will introduce a white-label offering for businesses, which will include document sharing in addition to the video sharing Watchitoo currently offers."
July 23rd, 2009
AppScout PC Magazine: "Watchitoo: Watch Web Video Live with Friends"
"If you can't get your friends together, Watchitoo may be the next best thing... Some people have suggested that Watchitoo (currently free) can be a cheap videoconferencing solution, where people can get together and collaborate over designs, documents, or videos... the developers of Watchitoo are planning to include a full-screen mode for the service in the coming weeks along with high-resolution and high-quality video."
July 21st, 2009
New York Times Bits Blog: Hey, Gang, Let's Watch the Web Together
"Mr. Zarom, spurred on by the popularity of recent social viewing events, like CNN's pairing of Facebook status updates with the live stream of President Obama's inauguration... says that Watchitoo's patent-pending technology allows for a synchronized, stutter-free streaming experience that sets the service apart from the pack-it's new medium for watching TV and commentary on the Internet."
July 21st, 2009
Venture Beat: Newly-Opened Watchitoo lets you share content with friends like they're in the room
Traveling around the world, I wished I could have something that would let me chat with my family while showing them photos and video, "said chief executive Rony Zarom. Zarom said Watchitoo could pursue a number of revenue models: It could have a consumer-facing approach where users buy premium offerings like higher resolution video streaming or music. It could white-label the site or build custom versions of it for other content providers that want a Watchitoo-like environment for their media."
July 21st, 2009
LifeHacker: "Watchitoo Combines Video Chat with Video Watching"
"Ever wish you could enjoy a video on the internet with friends rather than simply sharing a link with them? New web site Watchitoo wants to let you do just that, combining online video chat with streaming video from youtube. You can then curate what videos you'd like to include in your room, and anyone who joins you can communicate while watching videos either via an IM-like chat or video chat."
May 18, 2009
Mashable: Watchitoo: Create Instant Community Around Online Video and Photos
Watchitoo users can use the site to create shows (ie - mini social networks around content), view public shows, and check out what’s popular…users create real-time community around Web content… so families can video chat while viewing vacation photos, friends can exchange IMs together over personal videos, and business users can collaborate while sharing presentations.
May 17, 2009
Gigaom: Watchitoo: Watch Content Together (and Smile, Cause You're on Camera)
What makes Watchitoo stand out is the synchronized experience. Users watch media and each other, via webcams, at the same time in one browser-based interface. They also can share control of the screen, rather than being restricted to one presenter controlling the content as with a webinar/demo situation. Watchers can participate without registering.
May 19, 2009
ITVT: Watchitoo Beta-Launches Platform for Synchronized Social Viewing
Any user, regardless of their connection or available resources, can participate in its platform's social viewing without their experience being interrupted by skipping or buffering. ‘Watchitoo is a natural next step in the evolution of social media platforms,’ Zarom continued, ‘It takes the most popular uses of the Internet and combines them.
May 18, 2009
Tech News: Watchitoo: Create Instant Community Around Online Video and Photos
If you've ever exchanged IMs with a friend while watching the same show, or discussed family photos via email chains, then you’re probably aware of the limitations around simultaneously sharing audio, image, and video files. And, you’ve probably noticed that it’s near impossible to create a real-time feedback loop. Connecting the dots…is Watchitoo.