VELVET PUFFIN

Originally marketed as an ["always on"](http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/03/04/velvetpuffin-launches-alwayson-social-network) social network, Velvet Puffin (VP) has transformed into a novel Instant Messaging/Social Network hybrid that bridges the gap between the desktop and the web browser. Although there is still an option to download VP's mobile or desktop client, VP Quick Launch gives you the option of having VP's full social networking/IM capabilities from your desktop while your browser is c... losed. There is no significant gain to downloading the desktop client unless you prefer to access VP without first opening a browser. The Quick Launch is quite successful at blending the web and desktop by allowing you to sort through your networks' pictures, videos, blogs, polls and anything else. The VP IM client aggregates Yahoo, GTalk, AIM, MSN, and ICQ and stays open even after you close your browser. Video sites such as [YouTube](http://crunchbase.com/organization/youtube), Google Video and Metacafe can also be accessed directly from the desktop. Such innovative technology could be used to simplify IPTV platforms such as [joost](http://crunchbase.com/organization/joost) and [Bablegum](http://crunchbase.com/organization/babelgum) which both would gain much added value without a required download.More