Radio tagging for everything
andersja's blog: RFID and Silent Commerce go mainstream comments on a potential milestone in the development of ubiquitous tracking devices. Barcode tattoos may have gone away but not the principle. How many tracking devices do you have today?
Amazon sells clothes
The soft launch of Ruby, Amazon.com's apparel store is under way. Will it beat boo? How does it compare?
- Good range? Amazon claims 400 brands. boo launched with 12.
- Fufillment? Amazon says "Not our problem" and refers to the policies of partner merchants. boo's "free shipping and returns" offer cost the company a fortune.
- Web site? The apparel store looks and feels like the rest of Amazon - cross-plaform and stable. boo launched with an over-reliance on Flash and IE javascript code. The lack of cross-browser support meant that boo was crucified by Mac-based journalists.
- Launch offers? A $30 gift certificate when you spend over $50. Club boo gave up to 20% discounts up front.
- Sizing guides? Amazon has an extensive chart from each vendors. boo published simpler ones.
- Innovations? Amazon seems to be playing it safe, trading off the success of its main web site. boo provided pseudo-3D views of all products.
All in all, Amazon may have a winner.