The world isn't waiting for Nunchi, it's already late to market, others are introducing social concepts at a fast pace. See below for examples of new technology.

TECHNOLOGY

Long lines a reality even in cyberspace

Thousands must wait to enter South by Southwest Interactive

By Valentino Lucio

AUSTIN— Plagued by constant rain and long lines, South by Southwest Interactive kicked offFriday.

The annual technology conference highlights some of the industry’s innovative thinkers and newest technologies. With about 20,000 participants and 1,000 conference sessions, there was excitement surrounding the festival — for those who could get in.

By 5 p.m., the line to get credentials curved around the inside of the convention center, wrapping around twice. Those waiting bowed their heads, dejected and frustrated. Many kept their sanity by reading, checking Facebook or surfing the net.

Boston native Britt Teravainen sipped on a Corona as the line inched forward. She had been waiting for about one hour and had about another hour left in line before she’d claim her golden ticket.

This marks her first time at SXSW Interactive. The Harvard Business School marketing specialist came to learn more about networking and government regulations and how they affect digital media.

“I have high expectations of the event,” she said. “People I knowwho have come here get back with huge energy. I’m hoping to learn a lot.”

Luis Viera got his badge early, eagerly planning his day. The Puerto Rico native had been to SXSW before, so the mobwas of no surprise to him. He is interested in learning more about digital storytelling and hopes to dive into the innovation surrounding social media.

His go-to social sites include Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Pinterest. He showed skeptical interest in the buzz surrounding new location-based services such as Highlight and Glancee, which alert you to other people around youwith similar interests. Highlight is constantlyworking, pulling

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EdwardA. Ornelas photos / San Antonio Express-News

Tech fans attending the South by Southwest Interactive conference charge their mobile devices Friday at the Austin Convention Center. The annual gathering highlights some of the industry’s newest technologies.


It was elbow to elbowFriday for the South by Southwest Interactive conference. The Austin event began with about 20,000 participants.

Innovative, ‘intrusive’ newservices

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information from the user’s social media page in order to connect people.

“It’s kind of freaky, but it’s awesome,” he said. “It takes social to another level, where social meets real space.”

While the idea might be innovative, Viera won’t be using it anytime soon.

“It’s too intrusive.”

But Joel Simkhai, CEO and founder of Grindr and Blendr, two locationbased sites, disagrees.

During his presentation on social networking, he mentioned that many of the newapplications have privacy controls so people can decidewhat to share.

“We constantly fail to interact or say hello to people we come into contact with every day,” he said.

“Imagine knowing everyone in the room. That’s

the future.”

vlucio@express-news.net



EdwardA. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

Brandon Searle, left, poses for a photowith Jordan Smith, who’s portraying the “@PROXY-BOT,” during the South by Southwest Interactive conference Friday in Austin.

Thousands of tech fans gathered for the event.