While the first iteration of the uvLayer beta, which launched in February, was developed as a downloadable client application built on the Abobe AIR platform, the latest version is Web-based, replicating the intuitive interface of the client version completely within the browser. uvLayer is an innovative visual user interface for online video similar to what the iPhone interface is for the mobile phone.
"The in-browser version of uvLayer is a natural extension of what we have achieved with the client application, making uvLayer accessible to anybody via the Web at any time and giving users their choice of experience," said Michael Hoydich, co-founder of Unknown Vector. "When we launched the uvLayer beta last month, we heard that our users wanted more ubiquitous access to uvLayer."
Among the new features is the ability for a user to share their collections across IM networks like AIM and Gtalk as well as social networks like Facebook, using uvLayer's same innovative "drag and drop" interface. Furthermore, with help from its international user base, Unknown Vector has translated uvLayer's online and client experiences into multiple languages to better reach its global audience.
"We had a surprising amount of global traffic to the site, mainly via international bloggers, who were quick to cover how we are improving the user experience for online video" said Mark Gray, co-founder of Unknown Vector. "To support the growth of this global audience we have translated uvLayer into 13 languages with more to come."
Both versions of uvLayer may be accessed at www.uvlayer.com.
Key Features of uvLayer Browser:
* Centralized Media Access: uvLayer sources video content from multiple sources, allowing users to centralize their favorite videos and playlists without visiting multiple sites
* Interactive Media Stacks: Users manipulate collected videos into thumbnail-sized "stacks" atop their personalized media canvas for seamless viewing and sharing
* Drag-and-Drop Media Sharing: uvLayer automatically assembles friend lists from across the user's preferred social and instant messenger networks; video stacks are easily sent to friends by dragging the content that users want to share over a buddy's icon
* Effortless Publishing: Users can publish media collections directly to Facebook, no coding, no typing, no work; future versions will allow for publishing to a user's own website
* Instant Media Gratification: The uvLayer Activity Window lets users see in real-time what their friends are watching, sharing, and commenting on
* Translation: The uvLayer experience has been translated into other languages such as Arabic, German, Dutch Portuguese, Korean, French, Indonesian, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Italian, Turkish, and Spanish with more to roll out on a regular basis
About the Founders
Mark Gray and Michael Hoydich, founders of Unknown Vector, are entrepreneurs who have founded and led two different companies from 2004 to 2008. IndustryNext, a technology and design services firm and Incognito Digital, an interactive marketing agency. Collectively they have worked at companies such as USWeb, Viewpoint, Viant, iWon/ExciteNetwork, and Yahoo!Geocities, holding management positions of privately and publicly held companies, and have been part of several acquisitions and public offerings with various aforementioned companies.
Unknown Vector Releases Online Version of uvLayer