A big part of my shtick when I talk about Rich Platforms is that we'll all be using them in a few years if not sooner. I'd argue AJAX is a rich platform too but the real question is will the applications we live in today (social media, way-finding, etc.) eventually migrate (or become augmented by) richer technologies like Flex, Flash, AIR, Silverlight, WPF, etc.
Critical Mass takes a tender step into that area with a social application called My Vegas. It's goals are based on the following simple (and accurate) premise.
People go to Vegas to have fun and “be someone else”
People travel to Vegas in groups and often “converge” at a common destination
There's a whole bunch of tools (like Facebook and Twitter, etc.) that we can use to facilitate this right now, but what happens when we aggregate them? If and when this convergence happens what we're really talking about is branded utility. That's what My Vegas is all about. Now I'd love to see a version of My Vegas built on Silverlight to make this interface sing : ) but what stands out here has more to do with the approach to design than the application of technology--or rather the fit, polish and emotional response it engenders. All great things that marketers and technologists must strive to provide to distinguish itself in the online realm.
I'll be using My Vegas for a trip this week and during MIX to plan my events and keep in touch with my friends it's one of a number of great tools that I'll be taking advantage of while I'm at MIX (more on those other tools later).
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