Just in time for the holidays, Seattle-based Jamglue leaves beta mode and officially launches its site this week. If you're into music, you'll want to check it out -- it's the only site I know of where you can not only upload and share music with friends, but you can remix music using Flash from within your browser. Through January 6, Jamglue is sponsoring a remix contest with Nettwerk Records -- sign on to learn more about creating your version of "Peace & Hate" by The Submarines. Oh, and by the way...you know you're going to like the company based on the way co-founder Matt Rubens describes himself: "I like tacos from trucks. And dinosaurs."

-posted by Rachel

Last spring, I blogged about Brent Bookler's newest venture, Hyperboy...which recently morphed into Treemo with the launch of TreemoTXT, a product that allows users to instantly connect to content on any mobile platform via Treemo and a mobile device. The company just announced the addition of Brett Brewer, cofounder of MySpace, to its board -- he's a good match to Brent as both are serial entrepreneurs (Brent founded Seattle-based Mobliss)...but it must be interesting at Treemo headquarters when both are in residence. Brent? Brett? Talk about B squared.

-posted by Rachel

Early startup Nimblebee now has a placeholder on its website announcing an imminent launch. Not sure yet what the stealthy company is up to, but they've said it's data mining a la Zillow and FareCast, but in a new market. While that's all very interesting, I was more impressed with founder Bryan Starbuck's blog because of the wealth of information he's sharing about the joys and frustrations of a technology startup. For anyone who's interested in the business side of a new tech company, it's well worth a look.

-posted by Rachel

There's a neat new company on the Portland technology scene. SplashCast is a media aggregation and distribution platform powered by RSS that makes it easy for real people (and not super geeks) to add and deliver media content to websites/blogs, etc. Earlier this month, the company started soliciting VC funds and lured TechCrunch writer Marshall Kirkpatrick to its executive staff as director of content. You can sign up to be notified when SplashCast is available in Beta by visiting the website.

-posted by Rachel

I really love Wikipedia and the concept of a fluid encyclopedia of knowledge...so I'm understandably concerned about Amazon.com's announcement this week that it is investing in California-based Wikia, one of the site's stiffest competitors. Wikia is organized differently, but essentially is a community portal for building free wiki-based content websites. The company has amassed funding from a number of industry heavyweights, including Bessemer Venture Partners and Marc Andreessen.

-posted by Rachel

Ever try to describe your favorite YouTube video (Tyson the skateboarding Bulldog comes to mind...) to a friend or family member and wish you had quick access to the real thing? Verizon just inked a deal with the mega successful YouTube to make this service a reality. The continued growth of the mobile content space, underscored by several acquisitions and multi-million dollar investments this year, tells me that the Verizon-YouTube service is likely only the beginning of the mobile entertainment offerings Santa will be bringing us this season.

-posted by Lindsay

Fremont may be the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe, but Xeko, one of the newest businesses in the Fremont district, is teaching kids how to be its masters. Xeko lives its motto -- have fun, do good -- by helping kids learn how to recognize, appreciate and conserve the planet's biodiversity. Part trading card game, part fantasy, Xeko is the brainchild of Amy Tucker, leader of the Matter Group. Earlier this month, the game picked up the 2006 Parents' Choice Recommended Award. The website is well-worth a look.

-posted by Rachel

One of the latest trends in telecom is for sevice providers to partner with a retailer to reach the masses. VOXUS client AccessLine Communications was one of the first to do this and has relationships with both Costco and Office Depot. This week, Bellevue-based Clearwire announced it is marketing its high-speed wireless Internet service through Circuit City. In addition, the company is running a promotion in Seattle for its Clearwire Connections Pass -- you could win a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid or a $10,000 shopping spree...check it out here.

-posted by Rachel