Rounding out our SXSW coverage this year, here is the Lab’s pick for the coolest stuff we saw in the past few days at SXSW Interactive:
- Mastercard uses Meerkat for ‘Priceless Pitch’
MasterCard cardholders were given one minute to pitch their startup idea in an actual pop-up elevator and used Meerkat to stream segments of their #PricelessPitch activation.
- Friskies’ Bacon Flavored Cat Food
Friskies showcased their new bacon-flavored cat food with their “Haus of Bacon”, where guests played with famous felines like Grumpy the Cat, enjoyed cat portraits made from bacon, dry cat food, and Friskies packaging.
- CW Promotes iZombie With Edible 3D-Printed Brains
To promote the new comedy series, iZombie, CW, and Buzzfeed partnered to host a launch party where attendees were offered 3D-printed candy with varying flavors based on their pre-scanned brainwaves.
- Equinox Integrates Digital Data Into Class
Equinox integrated digital data shown in the form of games to encourage action in their new fitness classes. The instructor is able to monitor all data on an iPad-equipped bike and participants are able to view the data on a mobile app to track their progress and set goals.
- Yahoo’s On-Demand Passwords
Yahoo released an on-demand sign in option available in the United States. Once opted in, the Yahoo user will receive a unique password right to their mobile phone each time they’re ready to sign in.
- Yoga Replaces Coffee and Happy Hour
This year Yoga took over the usual coffee meetings and happy hours as the dominating way to socialize with potential clients. Brands like Swarovski and Misfit participated in a “Digital Detox”. Similarly, Pandora hosted Hip Hop Yoga, and Yahoo Health offered a morning reboot session with CorePower Yoga.
- GE Tracks Brainwaves During BBQ Tastings
General Electric’s research arm set up 12-foot tall sensor-laden BBQ smoker and a BBQ tasting room called “Brain on BBQ”, where SXSW-goers can taste a variety of barbecued items while wearing EEG headbands to track how their brainwaves changes.