(1) Marc’s comment re: distribution: we’re working with major carriers, device makers, & web properties as our echelons in the coming months…needless to say, this won’t be an issue for us. In fact, the platform could not have been developed to this point without their help; we’re simply not ready to announce who they are, but it’ll be worth the wait.

(2) Ryan’s comment re: connectivity: mobile apps are useless without a cell phone signal…that’s obvious. On the flip side, how useful are web apps without access to ethernet or wifi? ;-)

As always, your witty banter is appreciated. That Palace ballroom was impenetrable to GSM phone signals, making live demos impossible and stressing our coming out. We found that out the evening before (shocking given the region’s a tech Mecca) and had to shoot a video well past 4am the night before. And then when we played the video their audio cable and ethernet conked out, requiring a poor man’s voiceover. Agonizing.

So hopefully you can spare a little extra credit on our trying to work around these cards we were dealt and be impressed with a team that helped bring to market the iPod, Honda’s navis, and ViaVoice, and that has been working their heads off to keep your teens safer while they drive. Whether that’s called a stupid use case or not is irrelevant, 66% of them will continue doing that despite our misgivings. While I can’t speak for the other presenting companies, we’re thrilled to have created a truly high tech platform, we know we have a non-contrived business model, *and* we’re passionate about delivering real social utility (remember that the next time you read accident stats). The top tier partners we’ve aligned with already see this vision, and you’re welcome to scope out Yap anytime/anyplace. Just make sure we have coverage first. ;-)

Warm regards,
Igor Jablokov
CEO, Yap