Close Menu
  • English
  • Featured
    • AI & Robotics
    • Energy
    • Finance
    • Leisure
    • Science
    • Security
    • Sustainable Development
    • Tech
    • Transport
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of astronomers using artificial intelligence to study supermassive black holes. Image generated by AI.
“A.I. Cracks the Black Hole Code”: Astronomers Use Artificial Intelligence to Reveal Hidden Forces at the Heart of the Universe
Illustration of global leaders in research and development intensity, highlighting Israel's commitment to innovation. Image generated by AI.
Not China, Not the U.S.: This Surprising Nation Now Tops the World in R&D Spending and Is Quietly Rewriting the Innovation Map
Illustration of independent evolution of intelligence in birds and mammals. Image generated by AI.
“Intelligence Evolved Twice on Earth”: This Groundbreaking Discovery Redefines Life Itself and Shakes the Foundations of Evolutionary Science
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS
Rude Baguette
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
Newsletter
  • Featured
  • AI
    Illustration of Anthropic's vision of ethical artificial intelligence development with Claude as a central figure. Image generated by AI.

    “If Anthropic Succeeds, Everything Changes”: A Nation of Benevolent AI Geniuses Could Rise and Reshape the Future of Human Civilization

    June 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
    Illustration of Meta's $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI to boost its AI capabilities. Image generated by AI.

    “Meta Drops $14 Billion on AI Bet”: Massive Investment in Scale Signals Desperate Push to Catch OpenAI and Regain Tech Dominance

    June 15, 2025 at 8:11 AM
    Illustration of a robot vacuum navigating a room with WiFi connectivity. Image generated by AI.

    Don’t Buy a Robot Vacuum Before Reading This—These 5 Shocking Lessons Could Save You Money, Time, and Endless Frustration

    June 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
    Illustration of a 3D-printed soft robot walking off the print bed. Image generated by AI.

    “Robot Walks Out Alone”: Scottish Scientists Create 3D-Printed Creature That Moves on Its Own—No Wires, No Code, No Human Control

    June 10, 2025 at 9:03 AM
    Illustration of a massive spam campaign exploiting OpenAI's technology to target websites. Image generated by AI.

    AI Gone Rogue: OpenAI Tech Secretly Used to Bypass Spam Filters and Saturate the Internet With Messages on 80,000 Sites

    June 10, 2025 at 7:05 AM
  • Energy
    Illustration of the innovative process by MIT researchers to produce hydrogen using recycled soda cans and seawater. Image generated by AI.

    From Soda to Superfuel: Researchers Use Coca-Cola and Ocean Water to Produce Clean Hydrogen for the Future of Mobility

    June 13, 2025 at 8:11 AM
    Illustration of China's Hualong-1 nuclear reactor and its impact on global energy dynamics. Image generated by AI.

    “France on the Brink”: China’s Nuclear Reactor Threatens to Wipe Out the Last Stronghold of French Economic Power

    June 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
    Illustration of a groundbreaking electrochemical reactor for lithium extraction and its impact on sustainable technology. Image generated by AI.

    “U.S. Uncovers Rare Earth Bombshell”: This Shocking Discovery Could Flip the Global Tech Supply Chain on Its Head

    June 12, 2025 at 8:04 AM
    Illustration of the impact of political uncertainty on the U.S. green energy sector. Image generated by AI.

    “Massive Setback in US Energy Sector”: Over 14 Billion Dollars in Hydrogen, Battery, and Solar Projects Canceled or Delayed

    June 11, 2025 at 8:55 AM
    Illustration of the NEOM Green Hydrogen project in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its renewable energy infrastructure. Image generated by AI.

    “NEOM’s Green Hydrogen Mega-Factory Nears Completion”: The Massive Facility Is on the Brink of Launching Revolutionary Sustainable Energy Production

    June 11, 2025 at 8:05 AM
  • Finance
    Illustration of James Howells searching for his lost Bitcoin hard drive in a landfill. Image generated by AI.

    “He’s Still Digging”: Man Who Lost $700 Million in Bitcoin 12 Years Ago in a Dump Faces Stunning New Twist in His Hunt

    June 13, 2025 at 9:05 AM
    Illustration of a lost hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoins buried in a landfill. Image generated by AI.

    He Just Gave Up €200 Million in Bitcoin: After 12 Years of Digging Through Trash, the Lost Hard Drive Is Gone for Good

    May 30, 2025 at 7:14 AM
    Illustration of a man sleeping with black tape over his lips. Image generated by AI.

    “Doctors Sound the Alarm”: Viral Mouth Taping Trend Called Dangerous and Completely Unproven by Leading Medical Experts

    May 25, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    Illustration of Visa's integration of AI systems into digital payments (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

    Visa’s AI Is Now Shopping for You: This Robot May Soon Swipe Your Card Automatically—and Mess With Your Mind

    May 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
    Microsoft Strikes Unprecedented Deal: World's Largest CO2 Removal at 7.44 Million Tons, Setting New Environmental Milestone

    “Microsoft Strikes Historic Climate Deal”: World’s Largest CO2 Removal Pact Targets 6.75 Million Tons in Unmatched Green Push

    April 19, 2025 at 9:55 AM
  • Leisure
    Illustration of two Nintendo Switch bundles with different box designs. Image generated by AI.

    “He Ordered Two, Got Chaos Instead”: Nintendo Fan Buys Identical Switch Packs and Unboxes Two Completely Different Surprises

    June 14, 2025 at 9:55 AM
    Illustration of GTA VI's dynamic and interactive urban environment. Image generated by AI.

    “GTA VI Goes Full Chaos”: Robbable Skyscrapers, Advanced Destruction, and a World That Strikes Back at Every Move

    June 12, 2025 at 12:08 PM
    Illustration of a camping tent with a panoramic roof designed for stargazing. Image generated by AI.

    “Sleep Under the Stars, Literally”: This Inverted Tent Redefines Camping With a Mind-Blowing View of the Night Sky

    June 12, 2025 at 8:47 AM
    Illustration of the vast open world of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Image generated by AI.

    “29-Year-Old Game Dwarfs GTA 5”: This Open-World Legend Is 2,000 Times Bigger and Still Has No Real Competition Today

    June 2, 2025 at 9:13 AM
    Illustration of the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grande Complication watch showcasing its intricate design and features. Image generated by AI.

    The Most Complex Watch in History Is Finally Here After 8 Years of Obsessive Research, Design, and Unmatched Craftsmanship

    May 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
  • Science
    Illustration of astronomers using artificial intelligence to study supermassive black holes. Image generated by AI.

    “A.I. Cracks the Black Hole Code”: Astronomers Use Artificial Intelligence to Reveal Hidden Forces at the Heart of the Universe

    June 15, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    Illustration of independent evolution of intelligence in birds and mammals. Image generated by AI.

    “Intelligence Evolved Twice on Earth”: This Groundbreaking Discovery Redefines Life Itself and Shakes the Foundations of Evolutionary Science

    June 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
    Illustration of SpaceX Dragon capsule returning to Earth with advanced technology and experiments from the ISS. Image generated by AI.

    “We Brought the Future Back to Earth”: SpaceX Dragon Returns With 6,700 Pounds of Next-Gen Robots After Daring Orbital Operation

    June 15, 2025 at 5:54 AM
    Illustration of SpaceX's vision for a human colony on Mars. Image generated by AI.

    “Mars Is No Longer a Dream”: SpaceX’s Vision Evolves From Bold Idea to Concrete Plan for Multi-Million Human Colony

    June 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM
    Illustration of a shape-recovering liquid forming a Grecian urn shape. Image generated by AI.

    Groundbreaking Discovery by Student: Accidental Creation of a ‘Shape-Recovering Liquid’ Defies the Fundamental Laws of Thermodynamics

    June 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
  • Security
    Illustration of a Chinese satellite capable of identifying human faces from over 62 miles away. Image generated by AI.

    “China Can See Your Face From Space”: New Spy Satellite Sparks Global Alarm With Its Unprecedented Orbital Surveillance Power

    June 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
    Illustration of the F-15E Strike Eagle equipped with APKWS II rockets targeting drones. Image generated by AI.

    “We’ll Swat Them Out of the Sky”: U.S. Air Force Upgrades F-15E With 42 Drone-Killing Rockets in Explosive Power Boost

    May 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Illustration of using Starlink satellites to detect stealth aircraft. Image generated by AI.

    “Elon Musk Cornered by Invisible Threat”: China’s New Tech Can Hijack Starlink Satellites and Unmask Stealth Aircraft

    May 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
    Illustration of Homeland Security revoking Harvard's foreign student program due to alleged China ties. Image generated by AI.

    U.S. Government Revokes Harvard’s Foreign Student Access After Explosive Findings of Deep Connections to China

    May 26, 2025 at 11:56 AM
    Illustration of a damaged North Korean naval destroyer at launch. Image generated by AI.

    “North Korea’s Warship Launch Fails”: Second Naval Destroyer Suffers Major Damage in Stunning Blow to Kim’s Military Ambitions

    May 25, 2025 at 11:48 AM
  • Impact
    Illustration of the world's largest 3D construction printer installed at a school site in Doha, Qatar. Image generated by AI.

    Qatar Installs Giant 3D Beast: World’s Largest Construction Printer Could Reshape Cities and Shake Up the Global Building Industry

    June 12, 2025 at 9:52 AM
    Illustration of the Jeddah Economic Company Tower under construction in the Saudi Arabian desert. Image generated by AI.

    “Skyline Will Never Be the Same”: Saudi Arabia’s Tower Surges Past All Records as World’s Tallest Skyscraper Rises in Blinding Speed

    June 8, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    Illustration of the Jeddah Economic Company Tower rising in the Saudi Arabian desert as the future world's tallest skyscraper. Image generated by AI.

    “Tallest Tower Surges Ahead”: Saudi Arabia’s Sky-Piercing Giant Breaks Records as Construction Accelerates Beyond Predictions

    June 7, 2025 at 9:46 AM
    Illustration of Merino sheep grazing among solar panels, enhancing wool quality and maintaining installations. Image generated by AI.

    “1,700 Sheep Through Solar Fields”: Scientists Reveal Stunning Results That Could Transform Farming and Renewable Energy

    June 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
    Illustration of the Su Hai No 1, the world's first dedicated salmon farming vessel. Image generated by AI.

    “We’re Farming Fish in Open Seas Now”: China Unveils World’s First Salmon-Farming Ship to Revolutionize Global Seafood Supply

    May 29, 2025 at 8:08 AM
  • Tech
    Illustration of global leaders in research and development intensity, highlighting Israel's commitment to innovation. Image generated by AI.

    Not China, Not the U.S.: This Surprising Nation Now Tops the World in R&D Spending and Is Quietly Rewriting the Innovation Map

    June 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
    Illustration of the dual nature of quantum computing, embodying both potential and challenges. Image generated by AI.

    “Quantum Computing Is Dead—Or Is It?”: This Shocking Revival Could Ignite a New Era of Unstoppable Tech Power and Scientific Breakthroughs

    June 15, 2025 at 9:48 AM
    Illustration of the Xbox Ally handheld blending Windows and Xbox gaming experience. Image generated by AI.

    “Microsoft Just Teased the Next Xbox”: This Hidden Reveal Slipped Past Everyone and Could Signal a Massive Console Power Shift

    June 15, 2025 at 7:13 AM
    Illustration of Rocket Lab's reusable Neutron rocket landing on a sea platform. Image generated by AI.

    “Rocket Lab Goes Reusable”: Bold New Rocket and Stackable Satellites Could Redefine Space Launches and Shake Up the Entire Industry

    June 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
    Illustration of Nicholas Allegra, also known as "Comex," creating a groundbreaking jailbreak for the iPhone 4. Image generated by AI.

    “He Hacked an iPhone at 19”: Apple Hired This Teen Prodigy, Then Fired Him for Ignoring a Single Email in a Stunning Twist

    June 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
  • Transport
    Illustration of Canada's decision to freeze $32 million in public aid for Tesla. Image generated by AI.

    Canada Shocks Tesla by Freezing $43 Million in Funding—This Sudden Political Blow Could Reshape the Future of Green Tech Deals

    June 14, 2025 at 5:56 AM
    Illustration of SpaceX's Starship preparing for a mission to Mars. Image generated by AI.

    “Mars in 2026 is 50/50”: Elon Musk Unveils Plan for SpaceX’s Biggest Starship Yet Launching by Year’s End, Raising Global Curiosity

    June 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
    Illustration of a revolutionary hydrogen-powered aircraft concept unveiled by Airbus. Image generated by AI.

    “Airbus Unveils Revolutionary Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft”: This Groundbreaking Concept Is Set to Transform the Future of Aviation

    June 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
    Illustration of the Mazda EZ-60 electric SUV debuting at the Shanghai Motor Show. Image generated by AI.

    “This Can’t Be Real”: Japan’s New 807-Mile Electric SUV Using Only LFP Battery Tech Just Changed Everything in the EV War

    June 9, 2025 at 5:49 AM
    Illustration of a Tesla Model Y failing to stop for a child-size dummy. Image generated by AI.

    “Tesla Hits the Child”: Shocking Robotaxi Test Shows Self-Driving Tech Colliding With Kid-Sized Dummy at Close Range

    June 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM
  • English
Rude Baguette

LeWeb gets back to its Roots – A Review

Eirwen WilliamsEirwen WilliamsDecember 7, 2012 at 4:47 AM0
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link

With LeWeb safely under wraps, I think it’s about that time that we take a look at what we can learn from Paris’ biggest web event of the year, and one of Europe’s largest tech events. The three day event saw plenty of announcements – some of them we’ve already covered, many of them will slowly roll out over the next few weeks. Loic fixed a lot of problems of LeWeb Paris 2011, which we reviewed here; however, it seems in repairing some broken cogs, he broke some new ones as well.

LeWeb was significantly more French than last year

There’s no denying it – members of the French startup community got more airtime this year than last year. Perhaps it’s because the Internet of Things themes touches on more French specialties, or perhaps it’s because we chewed LeWeb out for being unnecessarily un-French last year. Xavier Niel opened up LeWeb with an interview with Nest CEO Toy Fadell, we saw talks from the founders of Withings, Parrot AR Drone, Fleur Pellerin – not to mention the nearly all-French jury panel for the startup competition.
I’ve been saying for quite some time that we need more members of the French startup ecosystem speaking English – this is why I started doing weekly Rude Hangouts with people like Renaud Visage, CTO of Eventbrite.

The two French disappointments: JAG & France itself

Among all the things that went on, I think the biggest kick in the arse for France was that someone had the bright idea to give the founder of an eCommerce site that is virtually unknown in the US a microphone and said “just say whatever you’re thinking.” Jacques-Antoine Granjon, founder of Vente Privée, spoke frankly during the results of the startup competition, which saw, for the 1st time in LeWeb history, 3 French startups as the finalists. “we didn’t get to choose the startups, we had to work with what we had” says Granjon – or as I call him, “Simoncini’s chiuaua”. The entrepreneur turned business angel is notoriously known for saying things like “If you get Simoncini to invest, I will too,” and is now notoriously known for taking a dump on the winners of a competition that historically correlates with raising a round of funding.

Not a lot of speakers that blew me away – can we have  no-speaker conference?

LeWeb tends to pack out the big names, and I think one of the best decisions they made this year was making the VIP/Speaker’s lounge & press room so inconvenient t get to – in what I call the “LeCamping room,” as it’s where LeCamping notoriously got placed last year – I think this resulted in speakers & bloggers spending more time on the ground talking with people.
As for the speakers themselves – sure Kevin Systrom spoke about Instagram & Facebook v. Twitter, but I think we’re getting to a point where either the journalists all know in advance which announcements will be made, and I’d rather see these speakers be paid to be on the main floor rather than standing on stage. It’s definitely gotten to a point where the main stage is no longer the main focus – I saw a total of 4 talks on the main stage, and spent most of my time running between meetings, seeing old friends, and making new ones. It’s like a 20-year College Reunion – do you really want to listen to the former prom queen talk to you about how “we all one big family,” or do you want to go meet people that you arguably should’ve met 20 years ago?

Is the Internet of Things really that big?

Given all the talks we saw, who was making the most headlines (crowdfunding site Indiegogo, Instagram, etc.) one has to ask – is the Internet of Things really going to be that big? Talking with one developer evangelist at LeWeb, he said that he’s quite bearish on the Internet of Things, saying that beyong “cute toys” like Parrot AR Drone and a scale that connects to your iPhone, there isn’t really much being done. Given the speakers presenting at LeWeb, and the demonstrations of what’s being done in the IoT, I’m inclined to think we are in “IoT 1.0” which means we can look forward to a few things: increasingly larger valuations of startups like circa 1999, and ultimately a realization that these startups are 10 years too early, and then a real revolution in 2020.
Given what Sigfox has said, I can see the market potential (they are building a network to manage billions of devices, not millions); however, I think there are a few technologies that still aren’t in enough peoples’ hands, and a few cultural habits that have yet to roll over to the internet age.

Will Loic Le Meur & Paddy Cosgrave battle it out to be Europe’s tech summit?

With the surprise announcement of a Paris Pub Summit – a trademark meetup of the Web Summit crew, who hosts Dublin Web Summit, London Web Summit, as well as the Europas in January – it seems that Paddy Cosgrave and his summit are creeping further and further into the LeWeb territory. The two have already met each other on the battle grounds of London, having bost hosted LeWeb London & the London Web Summit within a few months of each other earlier this year; however, the general consensus of these two events is that they weren’t nearly as good as their hometown equivalents.
For now, it seems that the swords are drawn, and while players like TheNextWeb continue to drawbig crowds in their neutral hometown of Amsterdam, other US events like GigaOM Structure Europe will have a hard time finding their place in a market dominated by tough Irishmen & persistent Frenchmen.

Was the Startup Competition really a disappointment?

With JAG’s big mouth saying what some were already thinking, the general exit poll sentiment is that the startups this year weren’t as good as last year. Looking back on last year’s winners – HeyCrowd, BeInToo, etc. – I am not inclined to agree, as the argument of “what’s the business model?” seems more an indicator of the state of the venture capital market than of the startups who competed.
We’ve been following qunb, the startup that won the LeWeb startup competition, for some time, and I’m pretty impressed with their ambition. They’ve taken feedback in the last year and changed their roadmap to fit the market better, and they contnue to push themselves to build more & faster. You may ask yourselves where this startup is headed, but I rather ask you to pick another startup with a bigger vision, and leave them to figure out how to monetize once they’ve created a product that people want.

Traffic, traffic, & Traffc.

Overall, I enjoyed LeWeb this year. Everyone’s experience is based on whether they feel they got a lot done, and I personally met a fair amount of people. The human traffic factor is always a plus for me – being on my home turf and bringing all these startupers together is always a great feeling.
The public transportation traffic, however, made it such that Saint Denis is still a terrible place to do LeWeb – the metro line was closed, and road construction in the area meant that even if you called for an Uber, you had an hour wait to get into the city (thank god for their bottles of water). Next year there will be both a metro stop that’s closer to LeWeb, as well as a tram line circulating around the edge of the city (perfect for those of us who live on the 20th!), and so perhaps the traffic factor will be a little less. It cetainly didn’t help that the only metro line that takes people to LeWeb was closed for the last two days of the event in order to do the very construction that will make the event easier to get to next year.

Conclusion – LeWeb gets back to its roots

LeWeb definitely gets a thumbs up for getting back to its French roots – more French speakers, more mistakes on stage reminiscent of a event that isn’t 10 years old, and what felt like a bit more soul, even if the main stage wasn’t quite as exciting as it used to be. With French prime minister Ayrault asking Loic to come back to Paris, it will be interesting to see how LeWeb evolves in the coming years – some may have written LeWeb off, saying that Web Summit or Pioneers Festival had echoed in a new era of events. Personally, I don’t think it’s quite so black and white, and look forward to seeing out LeWeb London 2013 & LeWeb Paris 2013 evolve.

Did you like it? 4.6/5 (23)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

LeWeb
Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleTwitter Trends now localized in 100 cities: What's the point?
Next Article TakeOff Conference brings Developers to Lille, January 17 & 18 2013
Related Posts
Illustration of global leaders in research and development intensity, highlighting Israel's commitment to innovation. Image generated by AI.

Not China, Not the U.S.: This Surprising Nation Now Tops the World in R&D Spending and Is Quietly Rewriting the Innovation Map

Illustration of the dual nature of quantum computing, embodying both potential and challenges. Image generated by AI.

“Quantum Computing Is Dead—Or Is It?”: This Shocking Revival Could Ignite a New Era of Unstoppable Tech Power and Scientific Breakthroughs

Illustration of the Xbox Ally handheld blending Windows and Xbox gaming experience. Image generated by AI.

“Microsoft Just Teased the Next Xbox”: This Hidden Reveal Slipped Past Everyone and Could Signal a Massive Console Power Shift

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of astronomers using artificial intelligence to study supermassive black holes. Image generated by AI.
“A.I. Cracks the Black Hole Code”: Astronomers Use Artificial Intelligence to Reveal Hidden Forces at the Heart of the Universe
Illustration of global leaders in research and development intensity, highlighting Israel's commitment to innovation. Image generated by AI.
Not China, Not the U.S.: This Surprising Nation Now Tops the World in R&D Spending and Is Quietly Rewriting the Innovation Map
Illustration of independent evolution of intelligence in birds and mammals. Image generated by AI.
“Intelligence Evolved Twice on Earth”: This Groundbreaking Discovery Redefines Life Itself and Shakes the Foundations of Evolutionary Science
News by category
  • English
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leisure
  • Transport
  • Science
  • Security
  • AI & Robotics
  • Energy
  • Sustainable Development
Information
  • Meet the Team
  • Legal notice
  • Privacy policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
© RudeBaguette.com. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.