A weekly roundup of L.A. tech company and product launches.
Vrideo: Virtual reality video distribution platform Vrideo of Santa Monica has launched an Android app and an app for the Samsung Gear VR headset. Both apps will allow users to access Vrideo’s library of virtual reality videos.
Mobcrush: Venice’s Mobcrush, a mobile app that live streams video of people playing mobile games, has launched an Android app. Its iOS and Android apps, still in beta testing, include live-video streaming, a privacy screen, real-time chat and chat moderation tools.
Squeegy: Carwash on-demand app Squeegy launched across the Westside of Los Angeles. The Santa Monica company said users can request a carwash at home, on a public street or in a parking garage because its water-saving techniques don’t cause storm drain run-off. Users also don’t have to be present during a wash, which starts at $29 for a basic exterior cleaning.
Tongal: Mattel Inc. and crowdsource video production company Tongal of Santa Monica have launched a content creation partnership. Tongal will call on its producer network to create YouTube videos for Mattel brands American Girl, Barbie and Hot Wheels, including promotion content, short documentaries and short scripted dramas.
Cornerstone OnDemand: Santa Monica human resource software company Cornerstone OnDemand has launched Insights, a predictive tool. The software program can predict the risk associated with employees not finishing a course by a required deadline, uncover non-compliance predictive factors and help identify good internal candidates to fill open positions.
Ampsy: Hollywood social media platform Ampsy has launched a partnership with IBM’s artificially intelligent computer Watson. Ampsy will use Watson’s computing power to automatically adjust and distribute content across social media platforms during live events, increasing fan engagement.
AwesomenessTV: Actress Zoe Saldana, known for movies “Avatar,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Star Trek,” has signed a deal to produce two original series for Awestruck, AwesomenessTV’s new mom-focused multichannel network. Awestruck is scheduled to launch this fall on YouTube, Facebook and Verizon Wireless’ Go90 video platform.
Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.
