VIRB° BLOG

The Virb Peep Show

We're inching closer and closer to the launch of the new Virb, and it's only fitting that you get your first look -- right here. Earlier today, I posted four screen captures of some exciting new features.

Expect to see more and more over the coming weeks, as our pre-beta testing is wrapping up nicely. If you haven't seen your beta invite yet, hold steady. We'll be sending out a big wave in a few days.

For your viewing pleasure, we present a peek at the new Virb. Atop each snapshot, I've added a short explanation to let you know exactly what you are looking at. Clicking each image will take you to the next slide.

We're excited to see your feedback. Happy Saturday!

posted by Brad under New Features, Discussions

A New Virb, A New Hope

A long time ago in a galaxy not that far, far away... We promised that a new Virb was in the works and a beta was near. Tonite, we are excited to announce that the much awaited private beta begins right here - right now. So without further adieu, some ground rules:

The purpose of the private beta is to help us squash bugs and work out any kinks before we go live. It is not a playground - there will be work involved. You will be expected to perform tedious tasks like uploading photos over and over and over, possibly while standing on one leg.

For the first phase of this beta, we'll be keeping enrollment limited to a small, focused group. This team will be responsible for testing out the new Virb back-end, aptly named The Hub. As things progress, we'll open up the front-end (i.e. profiles and customization) and bring in the second, and final, wave of applicants.

When your number is called, you will be notified via email. Along with your call to active duty, we will cover exactly what we need you to test and in which areas we would like your feedback.

I'm gonna stop typing, for I fear the only thing you really want to do right now involves filling out this pretty little form.

May the Force be with you.

P.S. A huge cheers to Teevio, Dave, Rubin and Simmy. Without you guys, this day would have never come. Thanks for all the hard work, gentlemen! I'm having a drink for you - right here, right now!

posted by Brad under New Features, Fixes and Updates

Virb 2: Beta, Beta, Bing!

Well, gang, I'm happy to say (or rather shout from the rooftops) that the time is nearly upon us. Starting next week, we will be posting the sign up process for the first phase of the Virb 2 private beta. I'll forego all the details at this moment and will post them alongside everything next week. Simply wanted to send out an update to let you know the end beginning is near!

posted by Brad under Fixes and Updates

Virb, Inc, Nye, Etc

Well... The final day of 2007 is here. For those of you that will be celebrating the new year, I hope you have some big (or at least fun) plans lined up. December is wrapping up nearly as busy as it began. What have your Virb Soldiers been up to? How about some recap action.

A new office. Yep. Earlier this month, your Virb Soldiers moved to a humble, little office in Boston's Back Bay. We call it an office, but actually it's a big red room with enough room for Stephen, Ryan, Dave, Rubin (when he's visiting from LA) and myself. If I may speak for the entire team, we love the place. It's the perfect location to welcome in the new Virb and the new year.

Speaking of the new Virb... We're hammering away and excited to hand it over to you. Virb numero dos is really something to behold. For those of you that understand we are hard at work, thanks for your patience. Virb wasn't built in a day, and the same is true for the new Virb. Yet, once we're about ready to enter the short private beta period, I can guarantee you that things won't be so hush-hush around these parts. Screencasts, screenshots and (some) secrets will abound.

As I've stated before, a big part of the new Virb revolves around how well it can integrate with other popular sites out there. Personally, I want to be able to post my photos on Flickr and have that recent activity show up on Virb for all my friends & contacts to see. If not photos, then videos, or links, or whatever. Want proof? While there are many API's we are tying in to, here's proof that we are up and running with Vimeo.

It's been a busy month. Dave is neck deep in API's, Stephen is perfecting the new version of Groups, Ryan is beautifying the Welcome area and Rubin is helping me secure a few partners for advertising and editorial content. That's your Virb Team and that is where we are at as 2007 comes to a close.

Oh, one last thing. Ryan composed a rather elegant short film of our move to the new office. If you get a few minutes, you should take a gander. It's pretty darn beautiful, if I do say so myself.

The New Virb. Early '08. Here we go.

posted by Brad under Fixes and Updates

Uploads vs. OS X Leopard

If you are running Safari or Firefox on Mac OS X Leopard, you have probably noticed the inability to upload media to sites like Virb and Flickr. The problem lies within Adobe's Flash Player and the way that it interacts with Leopard.

As of this morning, Adobe has released an update to Flash Player 9, which fixes the issue with flash uploads in Leopard. Therefore you have two choices: Update the player (I've included some simple instructions below) or choose the "Try our simple uploader" option on the upload page. The new Virb will not utilize Flash in its upload method; so eventually, this will all be distant memory.

If your heart desires the update, here is some linkage to carry you thru the journey. I absolutely loathe the fact that Adobe forces you to uninstall Flash Player before upgrading to the new one. Ugh. So, first, you must download the uninstaller, close the browser(s) and run it. Once the app has cleared all traces of Flash from your Mac, it's time to download the installer (for Mac OS X 10.2 and above) and follow the included instructions. Good luck, upgraders!

Dave and I will be keeping an eye on this post, so let us know if you hit any bumps.

posted by Brad under Fixes and Updates

Hello future, meet Virb

Hello my fellow Virbers! Hope you've been well. We've been a little busy; but dandy, nevertheless. As you are probably aware, we've been neck deep in the new version of a site we like to call VIRB. For that very reason, it's been a little quiet 'round ye olde bloglands.

I wanted to take some time to say hello and let you know this blog is never far from my heart. We're embarking on the home stretch here and, as you know, patience is always rewarded! This means that you'll be reading (and seeing) much more over the next couple of weeks.

My plan is to post one new update every week or so. They will likely focus on a new or (re-engineered) piece of Virb. It's been a rebuild from the ground up, so even the smallest of things are exciting to us.

We cannot wait for you to see Virb's new Recent Activity feature. From photos and videos to all the things you share online, Virb will be the one place where others can keep up with everything you do - no matter where you do it. We'll also look at the new email Conversation system, profile customization enhancements, new Group tools and another surprise or three.

In other news, we have recently launched a little t-shirt shop called Cottyn. It was a simple project to keep us sane by offering some fresh air outside of Virbland. There are five tees to start, with more being rolled out on a regular basis. You can peek if you'd like.

Love,
Stephen, Dave, Simmy, Rubin and Me

P.S. I posted a couple of photos on Virb. They're a small glimpse at the future of Virb's Recent Activity, Contribute and Profile Skins. Enjoy!

posted by Brad under New Features, Fixes and Updates

Let's talk about Y-O-U

With each passing day we get closer and closer to the release of the new Virb. Just this morning we had to take a few moments of silence; only to sit in amazement of how well it's coming along. We can't wait to show you!

But for now, I need some help. Many of Virb's new features are centered around you and everything you do online; not just Virb. So, tell me... What exactly are you doing when you are behind the computer? What sites do you use? What social networks do you patron the most? What pieces of your internet life connect with your offline life the most?

To get you started, I'll go first (below). Help me keep it organized by keeping it simple, but your list need not be in any particular order. List as many as you want. If you spend time doing it, I want to know.

Thanks for the cold, hard data. Talk soon...

posted by Brad under Discussions