Qwiki Digital Information Platform
Qwiki is a digital information platform that revolutionizes the way users consume and interact with information. Initially launched as a video search engine, Qwiki aimed to provide a more immersive and interactive experience by combining text, video, and audio data into a cohesive, audiovisual presentation. The platform was founded by Doug Imbruce and Louis Monier, the latter being the inventor of the AltaVista search engine.
History
Qwiki gained significant attention when it won TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco in September 2010. The platform quickly amassed a user base of one million unique visitors per month. In 2013, Qwiki was acquired by Yahoo! for a reported $50 million. The acquisition was facilitated by a meeting between Doug Imbruce and Marissa Mayer, then CEO of Yahoo.
Features
Automated Video Production
One of Qwiki's standout features is its ability to automatically turn pictures and videos from a user's camera roll into shareable movies. This feature was particularly popular and led to the release of an iPhone app that received Apple's Editor's Choice award and was an honoree in the 2013 Webby Awards.
Interactive Information Experience
Qwiki offers an "information experience" by gathering video, text, and audio data about a search topic and presenting it in an interactive format. This approach aims to make information consumption more personal and engaging, moving beyond traditional search engine results.
Collaborative Documentation
Qwiki also serves as a central hub for collaborative documentation of processes and work instructions. This feature is particularly useful for organizations looking to advance their knowledge management practices. The platform allows users to create a solid foundation for an integrated management system, offering maximum transparency, high dynamics, and total reliability.
Integration and Partnerships
Qwiki has been integrated into various platforms and has partnered with several organizations. For instance, it was integrated into the Bing search engine and launched video creation tools in cooperation with ABC News. The platform has also worked with companies like Stylecaster and the blog Cheyenne meets Chanel.
Investors and Funding
Qwiki attracted investments from notable figures, including co-founders of Facebook, YouTube, and Groupon. One of its prominent investors was Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, who expressed excitement about Qwiki's potential to define the future of information consumption globally.
Future Prospects
Qwiki continues to evolve, with plans to open up its API to cover a broader range of applications. The platform aims to remain at the forefront of digital information consumption, leveraging its unique approach to interactive and immersive experiences.