New services to check out

An online network for farmers, social Internet television, and invisible speakers were among startups taking laurels at the DEMO Technology Conference in California, also known as the launchpad for winning technology firms. Here are a few applications launched at the Conference:

LocalDirt.com is an online hub where farmers or ranchers can connect with markets, schools, buying clubs, restaurants, or individuals in nearby communities.

TwirlTV combines on-demand Internet television with online social networking.

Zorap is a service that lets friends share audio and video in "virtual gathering places".

DateCheck service lets people use smart phones as sleaze detectors to quickly check whether aspiring mates are creeps or gems. DateCheck users armed
with names and telephone numbers, can mine the gargantuan Intelius database to uncover whether people seeking their affections fail to mention unflattering facts such as criminal pasts or current spouses.

Pinyadda, a new interface billed as a next step in the evolution of online social networking for providing a way to personalise and aggregate content from online haunts.

ShareGrove is an online tool for creating private conversations with family, friends and other people culled from the tidal waves of email, social network contacts, Tweeters and other social networking sites in the world wide web.