Barcode 2.0

Ex-MMA Head Wehrs Named Scanbuy CEO

2010-08-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Mike Wehrs, former president and CEO of the Mobile Marketing Association, has beennamed CEO of 2D tcchnology company Scanbuy. He replaces Jonathan Bulkeley, who led the startup for the last four years. Scanbuy’s flagship ScanLife application allows allows users with a camera phone to scan product information, offers and other content via 2D tags placed on packaging, print ads and outdoor signage. Advertisers including Volkswagen, Discovery Communications and Sprint have used the company’s technology in ad campaigns.

Prior to joining the MMA in 2009, Wehrs held the post of “Chief Evangalist” at Nuance Communications, best-known for its Dragon voice-recognition technology. He has also had management positions at mobile company Tegic Communications and Microsoft, focusing on business development around Windows products.

Scanbuy has raised more than $21.6 million from investors including Motorola Ventures and Masthead Venture Partners.

NeoMedia and Scanbuy Reach Settlement and License Agreement

2009-10-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

Today NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NEOM), and Scanbuy, Inc., leaders in mobile barcode technology, announced they have settled all pending litigation between the companies and have granted non-exclusive patent licenses to each other.

NeoMedia and Scanbuy have agreed to terminate all pending litigation brought by NeoMedia against Scanbuy in 2004, and by Scanbuy and Marshall Feature Recognition, LLC (“MFR”) against NeoMedia
in 2008.

In addition, NeoMedia has granted Scanbuy a royalty bearing, non-exclusive license to a portion of its patent portfolio in the U.S.
In turn, Scanbuy has granted NeoMedia a fully paid, irrevocable, non-exclusive license of Scanbuy patents and a fully paid, non-exclusive sublicense to all of the patents licensed by MFR to Scanbuy within the U.S.

This agreement will enable consumer brands, advertising agencies and mobile operators to confidently engage with either company to implement mobile barcode solutions in the U.S. The technology has enormous potential to become a viable and widely adopted communication channel.

“The agreement between NeoMedia and Scanbuy removes the final roadblock to rapid commercialization of mobile barcodes in the US,” commented Iain McCready, Chief Executive Officer of NeoMedia. “We are literally dropping the green flag for brands, retailers and mobile operators to join the race towards mobile barcodes becoming a fixture in every consumer’s daily routine.”

“We are pleased that Scanbuy has reached a fair agreement with NeoMedia, and look forward to working with our partners to build a vibrant business in the United States,” said Jonathan Bulkeley, Chief Executive Officer of Scanbuy. “Both companies have invested a great deal in our intellectual property and we will continue to bring these solutions to leading marketers, wireless operators, and handset manufacturers around the world.”

Olivier Attia on ABC7 in San Francisco

2009-10-01T06:15:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when your company to be known, you end up on TV. A very interesting experience to show your product and technology in real life situation.

Mobile coupon and ticketing on the rise - study

2008-04-24T08:45:00.002-05:00

A new study released by Juniper Research predicts that retailers will have issued almost three billion mobile coupons to customers by 2011, with just under $7 billion of discounts redeemed.

Harrods embraces mobile barcodes

2008-04-17T09:20:00.003-05:00

The Knightsbridge store is understood to be the first British retailer to run print ads featuring 'mobile barcodes', tiny squares showing black and white shapes which, when a mobile phone takes a picture of them, provide information to the phone via the web.

Create Your Own QR Code With an Army of Little Robots

2008-04-14T09:31:00.005-05:00

A company called Cross Border Inc. created a fun little program that lets you generate your own QR codes—a 3-dimensional bar code common that can be read by cell phone camera. All you have to do is enter a URL, and the service dispatches an army of little robots that start off standing at random but quickly start hopping into position until they make sense together and can be scanned by IR.

Mobile barcodes now speak to us – quite literally…

2008-04-08T11:26:00.003-05:00

A consortium of three companies has decided to improve on the usual URL-carrying QR Codes by tweaking the data in each black and white square to contain a brief snatch of audio and a simple image.

The Voice QR, as it’s called, simply needs to be scanned with the camera on a mobile phone for it to give up its hidden treasure without the need to connect to a website.

Mobile Discovery Announces One of the First Cross-Carrier, Multi-Vendor 2D Barcode Trials

2008-04-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

Mobile Discovery Inc., an innovator in mobile marketing, today announced the launch of the first large scale multi-vendor beta trial of mobile 2D codes at Case Western Reserve University. On the Case Western Reserve University campus, 2D barcodes appear on print ads all over campus, and can be seen on flyers, posters, bus stops and billboards.

Intel reveals its vision for mobile phone evolution

2008-04-03T09:14:00.002-05:00

The Carry Small Live Large scheme is also looking at ways to utilize the data generated by the range of sensors included within mobile devices. According to Kahn, one of the oldest mobile sensors--the camera--has some of the greatest potential."That sensor could take a look at a barcode and give you information on the product, it could be connected to a database that you're looking at as a tourist", Kahn said.

Bar Code Hopping in San Francisco

2008-04-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

Day to Day, April 1, 2008 · The City by the Bay is becoming scannable. Soon San Francisco restaurants, museums and public monuments will be adorned with little bar codes like those you find on the bottom of a cereal box.

At CTIA: Mobile Users Searching For Local Consumption

2008-04-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

Kanematsu is working with Kraft Foods in the United States to develop a way to put 2-D bar codes from Boston-based NextCode on product packaging, connecting consumers to nutritional information, recipes, coupons, and more on the company's Web site. The technology relies on a standard camera in mobile phones, but does require consumers to download a small application.

Siemens builds new bridges across the Rhine

2008-04-01T09:56:00.001-05:00

The FINANCIAL -- Starting April 1, the 1.4 million daily passengers of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS) can purchase their bus and train tickets by mobile phone via the internet, SMS or by phone. A barcode on the phone serves as proof of purchase – transit inspectors scan the code using a handheld scanner.

DMB, Ticketmaster Pact For Free Digital Album

2008-04-01T09:14:00.002-05:00

The Dave Matthews Band and Ticketmaster have teamed up to offer concertgoers an exclusive digital album. Fans who purchase tickets through Ticketmaster during the trek's March 29 general on-sale will receive a unique barcode in mid-September that can be redeemed for the digital album on iTunes.

Heathrow's Terminal 5 is the first UK airport building to be designed around the technology that runs it.

2008-04-01T08:53:00.002-05:00

BAA and British Airways worked together on T5. The baggage system was designed by BAA, Vanderlande and IBM. A 2D barcode is attached to each bag with information on where it needs to go, and handlers use hand-held scanners to update the bag's position on the system and to work out which route it should take.

Nokia Announces 'Mobile Rules! 08' Competition Winners

2008-03-28T09:27:00.002-05:00

Best Mobile Application - UpCode parking is a 'point&click' mobile solution using the
highly developed UpCode(TM)program, which enables a mobile phone to act as an optical
reader to 'scan' any physical object, on any surface or on-screen by 'clicking' at a
mobile barcode. UpCode is free for non-commercial and non-professional use and users
pay only according to existing Internet tariffs charged by the mobile service provider.

Citysearch & Antenna Audio Deploy Scanbuy's Mobile Barcode Technology to San Francisco, Enabling Instant Access to Information

2008-03-28T09:05:00.006-05:00

Scanbuy's Technology Turns Camera Phones into Barcode Scanners - Connecting People to Local Information On-the-Go for the First Time in US. Citysearch will link San Francisco users to local content on various restaurants, businesses and leading services while Antenna Audio will provide instant information about local historical landmarks.

Scanbuy to Provide TDC with the First Mobile 2D Barcode Solution in Nordic Region

2008-03-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

Scanbuy, a global leader in mobile 2D barcode and marketing solutions, announced today that TDC, Denmark's leading provider of mobile communications, will support its ScanLife platform and become only the second carrier in Europe to commercially release a 2D barcode service.

QR Bar Code Meta Data

2008-03-26T10:58:00.005-05:00

QR bar codes (photo right) embedded into the mosaic of the station posters (photo left) - each 'tile' is a separate bar code. Snap a photo of the bar code with an appropriate camera phone to follow the link. From Shibuya station.

Your Smartphone Can be Anything…Even a Concert Ticket

2008-03-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

Wireless customers with compatible mobile phones (any phone with a WAP 2.0 browser and MMS capability) can purchase tickets using their phone, than show the electronic ticket at the door to gain entrance.The ticket contains a barcode that can be scanned at the door.

Ticket Text’s First Irish Shows on Sale Now

2008-03-24T09:19:00.003-05:00

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ticket Text, a Dublin based technology company that provides a low cost and convenient mobile event ticketing service, has launched its services in Ireland. Tickets are now available for a variety of events both in Ireland and the UK and can be purchased on the Ticket Text website, www.ticket-text.com.

Last call: Japanese tombs link up with cell phones

2008-03-24T09:10:00.002-05:00

TOKYO (Reuters Life!) - Bereaved Japanese will be able to keep in touch with their loved ones beyond the grave by using mobile phones to scan bar-coded tombstones and view photos and other information about the deceased.

Stores to launch discount coupons via mobile phones

2008-03-24T08:59:00.000-05:00

A network of 17,000 local retailers and corner shops will this summer launch a scheme to offer discounts and money-off coupons to shoppers via mobile phones in an attempt to replicate the success of supermarket loyalty card schemes. The Shop Scan Save initiative will send special offers to consumers' handsets as barcodes that can be scan-ned from the mobile phone display.

New Sun service merges print with mobile video

2008-03-21T10:50:00.007-05:00

The Sun newpaper’s new mobile content service has achieved early success with around 11,000 users registered so far.

The barcode-based technology enables users to scan their mobile phone over pages of the newspaper, which in turn uploads relevant information onto the device.

StoreXperience: A Mobile Bridge Between Bricks, Clicks

2008-03-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

At the National Retail Federation's annual convention in mid-January, StoreXperience introduced an interactive mobile e-tail platform called "Easy Shopping." Combining DataMatrix digital photo scanning technology and Microsoft's Dynamics CRM application suite, Easy Shopping is designed to capture product identification codes from interactive barcode-like symbols and combine it with information about their location, shopping habits and preferences.

Google Tests New Barcode Tech in Newspaper Ad Program

2008-03-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Google is testing an emerging barcode technology in its print ad program, along with several other response options aimed at tracking results of newspaper ads placed through the system.

RepeatSeat Announces An Over 300% Increase for On-line Movie Ticketing Sales

2008-03-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - March 19, 2008) - RepeatSeat is pleased to announce that on-line movie ticketing sales in the first two months of 2008 are more than triple the corresponding period in 2007.

Utilizing our technology tickets can now be purchased on a cell phone; the cost of the transaction is charged to the patrons mobility account; and a bar code for entry to the movie is delivered back to the phone."

Print Magazines Quietly Testing Barcodes for Mobile Phones

2008-03-19T10:14:00.004-05:00

Billboard, Wired and Car and Driver have been the first American magazines to test publishing the barcodes in their pages. Users download Scanbuy’s free software—compatible with 130 different camera phone models—and then use the camera feature as a scanning device, directly linking from the barcodes to the magazines’ WAP (wireless access protocol) sites.

2008-03-18T09:45:00.002-05:00

The technology being tested by Continental uses a two-dimensional encrypted bar code, which is much tougher to copy than the one-dimensional bar code used by many airlines for boarding passes printed online.

Fans rush for 'mobile-compatible' new England kit

2008-03-18T09:07:00.004-05:00

England football fans will from today be able to buy their national team's new away kit – which can interact with their mobile phones. The new Umbro strip contains a Japanese-developed QR code which can be read by mobiles and allows owners to access a special WAP internet site.

Airline Boarding Pass to Be Replaced by Mobile Phones

2008-03-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

Under the International Air Transport Association's 'Simplifying the Business' programme, Siemens Airport Systems is working on a technology that will use mobile phones to replace a physical boarding pass. You can check-in, select your seat through the mobile phone and then you receive a 2D Bar Code which would replace the boarding pass.

Goodbye to stamp papers!

2008-03-18T08:45:00.001-05:00

BANGALORE: E-stamping is all set replace conventional stamp papers. The e-stamp certificate has three security features — 2-dimensional barcode, watermark and micro-digitization. Once the certificate is issued, the document cannot be copied. The 2-D barcode captures all the data and anyone trying to duplicate the certificate will only get copies, which will be marked as such.

News International aims for young readers with quick response codes in news stories

2008-03-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

News International is looking to drive younger readers onto its mobile internet site, with the company's mobile strategy chief revealing that its newspapers could be using quick response codes (QR codes) in its news stories within 18 months.

New Report Says 87 Million Mobile Users in Europe Will Be Using Their Mobile Devices for Mobile Ticketing Purposes by 2010

2008-03-14T08:49:00.002-05:00

The report reveals that innovative use of technology such as mobile barcodes and integrating RFID into a mobile device coupled with consumer demand for easy to use applications is driving up the adoption of mobile ticketing and mobile retail services

TEC-IT releases High-Quality Barcode Software for Mac OS X

2008-03-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Mac OS users and developers using TBarCode benefit from the most complete bar code software available on the market. The product generates more than 80 different linear, 2D and composite bar code symbologies. Especially the outstanding support for 2D codes like QR Code, Data Matrix, Semacode and PDF417 makes TBarCode the first choice for professional users from all industries.

Juniper Research: Over 2.6 billion mobile tickets set to be delivered by 2011

2008-03-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

New Juniper's research titled "Mobile Ticketing & Coupons: Strategies & Markets 2007-2011" suggests that over 2.6 billion mobile tickets will be delivered to just over 208 million mobile phone users by 2011.

Goss testing cell phone-to-print ad technology

2008-03-07T10:42:00.003-05:00

The offering, GossRSVP, is based on a two-dimensional barcode that appears in a company’s print advertisement. Consumers use their cell phones to either snap a picture of the code or text-message a request about the specific ad to Goss, which in turn sends back a promotional reward and other marketing information to the user.

iMatrix updated, ShotCode support

2008-03-06T10:06:00.005-05:00

iMatrix, a universal 2D code processing tool for iPhone has been updated. The new version features quite an interesting update. Universal code recognition application had support for QR codes and Datamatrix codes and now it also added support for ShotCode, making it truly universal.

Fastrack dials up mobiles in Arriva ticketing trial

2008-03-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

Arriva is launching the mobile - or ‘m-ticket’ - trial and is looking for people who use the Fastrack B service linking Dartford, Gravesend and Bluewater to try out the system which will remove the need to carry cash.

New Fashion Concept: Analogue meets Digital

2008-03-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

Through the integration of so called qr or mobile codes emma cott picks up a Japanese trend and combines the latest progress in technology with classical couture. Therefore, the label enables the wearer to communicate attitude and emotion through a mysterious kind of way and offers a whole new possibility of self portrayal.

Skuair: 2D Image Recognition, Beyond Barcodes

2008-03-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

Barcelona-based Daem Interactive has unveiled their latest image recognition technology dubbed Skuair, a system that reads pictures and logos taken via mobile phone and immediately spits back relevant urls or other chosen information. Once the mobile photo is taken, a low-res version of the image is sent to Skuair’s processing server and the corresponding URL/content is returned.

Bar codes not just for groceries anymore

2008-03-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

A group of Masters of Engineering Management (MEM) students is working to implement a 2D bar code system on campus this semester. This trial is the first of its kind in the nation; Case was chosen to host the trial due to its tech-savvy nature and its distribution of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff, according to Leigh Ann Barnes, Case 2D code beta trial coordinator.

Trend: QR code-only Print Magazine

2008-02-29T13:56:00.002-05:00

The print magazine Tada Gets, which basically means “things for free” is a magazine composed entirely of QR codes. By scanning the codes, users link via mobile phone to free ringtones, decorations, games, music, pictures, and other content.

RVSI receives Order for Barcode Readers

2008-02-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

In emergencies, doctors generally lack knowledge of the patient's previous illnesses, use of medication, and allergies or reactions to medication. Vital information is therefore essential to prevent wrong treatment or giving wrong medication. The organization's goal is to make patient case histories available to physicians while fully safeguarding personal data. This is done by encrypting a patient's medical history into a two-dimensional barcode, called Data Matrix, which is contained on a card carried by the patient.

Going mobile to kick out Hogmanay touts

2008-02-21T09:40:00.003-05:00

TICKETS for Edinburgh's Hogmanay would be texted to the buyer's mobile phone under new plans to stamp out touts.

Guns N' Roses' performance at London's Hammersmith Apollo in 2006 was the first rock concert in the UK to feature the mobile ticketing technology, created by Mobiqa, which is based in George Street.

Japanese is not Done with QR Code, Here Comes Double QR

2008-02-19T14:18:00.003-05:00

One company called Design QR has created a Double QR, they simple inserted another QR code in a QR code. Now it has double storage space to keep 2x more information. The company plan to even further expand the capacity by integrating more QR code together.

Facebook launches Mars products shopping service

2008-02-14T09:31:00.004-05:00

An applications will launch on Valentine’s Day, Called Celebrate by Facebook. The service will enable users to buy actual Mars gifts which can be redeemed at participating stores through the use of a scanable, unique mobile voucher ID.

ScanBuy 2D Barcode Application Now Compatible with Camera Enabled Blackberry Handset

2008-02-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, Jan. 29  /PRNewswire/ -- Scanbuy, a global leader in mobile marketing
solutions, announced today that its ScanLife mobile 2D barcode application is now
compatible with camera-enabled BlackBerry(R) smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM).

NeoMedia Technologies Presents the World Its Revolutionary Vision for an Optical Messaging Interchange

2008-02-11T10:39:00.000-05:00

In Barcelona, NeoMedia Technologies will present its groundbreaking technology innovation to the international attendees of the Congress: The NeoReader®. This barcode reading technology enables mobile devices with cameras to read barcodes and immediately connect to digital content and services. This simple "one click" access makes the mobile Internet much more accessible for consumers.

Device Transfers Barcodes from Mobile Phones to Scanners.

2008-02-08T11:31:00.000-05:00

February 5, 2008 - Offered as keychain device, Bluetooth-enabled MoBeam(TM) let users receive offers on their phone via SMS, WAP, or email and transfer them to barcode scanning device. LED light source originates long-and-short sequencing of standard barcode, which standard laser scanner interprets as reflection of printed barcode. Solution links mobile consumers with retailers of choice, creating revenue opportunities without requiring any infrastructure change.

In First Application of Barcodes on the Mobile Phone,Mt. Bachelor and RocketBux Make the Registers Ring

2008-02-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

BEND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mt. Bachelor, one of the largest resorts in North America, and RocketBux, a mobile software company, announced today that RocketBux is providing mobile phone barcode coupons to the resort’s customers. This is the first application of optimized standard barcodes on phones ever used by the public.

MobiTMS unveil the launching in Facebook (and other SN) of a suite of applications to link web desktop directly to mobile

2008-02-08T10:09:00.002-05:00

MobiTMS the provider of 'TMS" a (SMS 2.0) suite of tools and applications to develop D2MC (Direct to Mobile Consumers) businesses announced the launching of a suite of Social Networks mini applications. The Facebook first application, an adaptation for social networks of the TMS search engine of 2D barcodes already accessible on mobile phones via www.TMSsearch.com, offer a user friendly solution to send contents from web desktop directly to mobile phones.

Ecrio(TM) Launches MoBeam(TM) Bluetooth-Enabled Barcode Solution

2008-02-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

ALM DESERT, Calif. and CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 28 -- At the DEMO 08 conference today, Ecrio unveiled a Bluetooth-enabled version of its MoBeam(TM) digital barcode solution. The enhancement lets users receive offers on their phone via SMS, WAP, or email, and redeem them via a small light emitting diode (LED) on the MoBeam device. In addition, retailers can install simple Bluetooth 'transponders' in their retail outlets to transfer offers directly to the MoBeam device.

Sears Becomes First Major Retailer to Trial 2-D Barcodes

2008-02-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

The barcode has been around for decades now and some large retailers in the U.S. are looking at a new type of barcode system that will allow consumers to get more information on a product in an interactive way.

The new barcodes are called 2-D barcodes and the first trial is currently underway with Sears. The unique aspect of these barcodes is that by using a compatible cellular phone with a camera and a downloadable application for the phone, a consumer can launch an applet to get more information on the product

Keep your shirt on

2008-02-05T10:46:00.001-05:00

England’s rich heritage is married with revolutionary technology by incorporating a QR (Quick Read) code into the shirt’s label. This effectively serves to bring the shirt to life, enabling fans to access a unique QR website.

Upon photographing the code with their mobile phones, fans will be taken to the website where they can obtain exclusive content about UMBRO and England.

Scan Your Way to the Next Party: University Tests Mobile 2D Barcode System

2008-02-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

CIO — At Case Western Reserve University, a student points her cell phone's camera at a poster advertising a campus event. Now she's got directions, the start time and related info, via a linked Web page. It's all thanks to a novel program at the college that lets anyone with a case.edu e-mail address scan barcodes in various locations and translate them into Web content using their cell phones. The university's Cleveland, Ohio campus is the first large-scale test site in the United States for mobile "2D codes" or "quick response (QR) codes," according to a Case release.

Swipe your Mobile Phone

2008-02-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

You can now pay all your bills with your phone. According to FTIL director (Technology), Dewang Neralla, Atom Technologies’ product — Atom Card — and software can burn the user’s credit card data to a mobile phone, that too over-the-air (like making a call or sending an SMS).

The data would be stored in a 2-D bar code format and cannot be read even by the user, assuring security in case the handset is lost or stolen. However for making a purchase an authentication — providing the PIN — has to be made.

Airlines to Launch Mobile Phone Check-In Services

2008-02-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

Some air travelers in Korea can now use their mobile phones to check in for international flights. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines said Monday that they will launch mobile check-in services in cooperation with SK Telecom.

Upon arriving at Iuncheon International Airport, they can issue their boarding pass using self-check-in machines by inputting a barcode downloaded to their phone and their passport number. Luggage must be checked at a separate counter.

Will Google Make Scanbuy A Mobile Barcode Winner?

2008-01-31T14:59:00.001-05:00

One company that could benefit from Google's mobile-barcode push: New York's Scanbuy, which makes barcode reading software for cellphones.

Google is pushing its newspaper advertisers to try out "2D barcodes," which, when scanned by a cellphone camera, take you to an advertiser's mobile Web site, coupon, map, etc. If that kind of technology ever takes off in the U.S., one winner could be Scanbuy, which is already making and distributing barcode scanning software.

Google Testing 2D Bar Codes on Print Ads for Cell Phones

2008-01-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

Google is testing 2D bar codes for cell phone cameras on print ads. The plan is to make advertising more useful for readers and more measurable for advertisers. 2D barcodes allow readers to “click” on interesting print ads with their cellphones and seamlessly connect to relevant online content.

Mobile Phone Tickets for Eurostar Passengers

2008-01-31T13:29:00.003-05:00

Eurostar is set to encourage its customers to go ticketless – with mobile phone barcodes letting them on board instead of old-fashioned bits of paper.

The Evening Standard has reported that the cross-channel train service is to pilot a scheme in the summer which will let customers flash their phone at a ticket barrier rather than show them to an inspector at the check-in gate.

Moves have recently been initiated to ensure that worldwide airlines will soon be able to have a uniform barcode system to let travelers display ticket barcodes on their handsets.

Trace The Fish by Mobile Phone

2008-01-31T13:12:00.001-05:00

Norwegians are particular about the fish they eat. Soon they may be able to check when it was caught, and where, using their mobile phone.

The cooperative food chain Coop is currently testing out a system by which the customers may use their mobile phone to trace the fish from the sea to the store, reading a bar code on the outside packing.

By scanning the bar code, a signal is sent to a data base, which in turn sends back the information on where the fish was produced, when it was packaged and the expiry date.

CTIA – The Wireless Association® Launches RFI for Cameraphone Barcode Scanning in the U.S.

2007-12-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, DC – CTIA -The Wireless Association® announced today a request for information (RFI) on behalf of its Code Scan Action Team. The RFI is being sent to a wide range of companies with an interest in the Cameraphone Barcode Scanning (CBS) space.

An important opportunity presents itself in the United Sates where Code Scanning is relatively unknown. While some countries are building many small islands of Code Scanning activity, there is potential in the U.S. to support and develop a common architecture that enables a mass code-scanning market.

CTIA’s Code Scan Action Team, comprised of industry representatives, is currently in the process of evaluating solutions to implement CBS on wireless phones in the United States. The purpose of this RFI is to understand and evaluate partner capabilities and interests in Code Symbologies, Code Scanning client applications and Proposed Business Models to support CBS, among other areas.

French Mobile Operator to Extend Scanbuy 2D Barcode Pilot Program Positive Results Seen to Date

2007-11-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Scanbuy, Inc. (scanbuy.com), a global provider of mobile marketing solutions, announced the extension of a 2D barcode pilot program with SFR in France. The service called "Flashcode" has received positive results after launching with public trials in late July.

Scanbuy's 2D barcode capture technology allows the camera phone to connect the physical world to the digital world. Scanbuy is providing the barcode reading software and the barcode generation platform for SFR during the "Flashcode" pilot phase.

Barcodes on mobile phones will make airline boarding-pass obsolete

2007-10-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

The days of printing out a paper boarding-pass are soon to be a thing of the past. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) just approved a barcode standard that will replace the paper-boarding pass with your mobile phone. The idea is so simple it’s surprising that it hasn’t already been implemented - but then again, regulatory agencies aren’t really known for their swift action.

Jet-setters will receive a barcode-confirmation image upon booking a flight. Instead of worrying about printing out your electronic boarding pass, or standing in line at the check-in counter, the traveler can take their barcode image-toting mobile phone straight to the boarding gate. Paper? Who needs paper?

The barcode standard is compatible with those used in the US, Europe, and Japan - so global travelers will have the paperless boarding-barcode can have the convenience in their pockets. The IATA is aiming for a 2010 rollout.

QR code for camera phone decoding comes to UK

2007-09-06T11:56:00.000-05:00

The QR code, which is already widely used in Japan but is new to the UK, will be contained in a square box on the film poster. It comprises black and white dots which contain details about the DVD and links to relevant material on the Internet.

QR codes, which can also contain information such as web addresses and phone numbers, can be decoded by a camera on a mobile phone, providing the correct software is installed. The information can then be stored on the phone.

The 28 Weeks Later DVD is currently being advertised in Shoreditch, London, with a giant poster which shows nothing but a QR code.

High-end phones such as the Nokia N93 come equipped with QR readers, but QR code-reading software is available to install on camera phones which do not have a reader already in place.

It is also possible to easily create QR codes to serve as hyperlinks to mobile content.

With nearly all new phones coming equipped with a camera, it seems that QR codes could soon be as prevalent in the UK as they are in Japan.

2D barcode technology being tested in Montreal

2007-07-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Last week, a select group of passengers began testing the utilization of 2D barcodes on their mobile devices (cellular phone, Blackberry, Personal Digital Assistant, etc.).

Passengers involved in the pilot test first check in without baggage on mobile.aircanada.com. This generates a 2D barcode – in fact an e-boarding pass – which is sent directly to their mobile device.

They then use this e-boarding pass to cross screening check points and to board the aircraft. 2D barcodes can be found on all Web itinerary receipts and on the paper boarding passes issued by an agent, at a kiosk or through Web check-in.

This new technology will expedite processes for our customers at the airport, where they will be able to cross multiple touch points using a single document, thus simplifying their travel experience.

Air Canada is conducting the six-week testing period in partnership with Lipso, UQAM’s École de Technologie Supérieure and Aéroports de Montréal.

PowerMe Mobile signs agreement to market Scanbuy's 2D barcode scanning technology

2007-06-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

PowerMeMobile, the Lebanese mobile solutions provider has signed an agreement with Scanbuy, Inc., a global provider of mobile marketing solutions, to market Scanbuy's two-dimensional (2D) barcode scanning technology in the Middle East and Africa.

TMS the “SMS 2.0”

2007-06-24T09:53:00.000-05:00

TMS is the new mobile Service allowing you to find, access, chat, surf and buy contents or products with your mobile phone in just a click.

TMS is a Hyperlink to Mobile. A mobile link between offline and online contents and is also the link that makes Internet - Web site - and - Mobile site - compatible

TMS use Tags (2D barcode) as a shortcut for a user friendly Internet access.
With the International TMS reader, you can scan the worldwide standard 2D barcodes online or offline
and access in just a click to your favorite Magazine, Blogs, Contents, web sites…

Cell-phone secrets

2007-06-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

COLIN STEWART

Innovation
Register columnist

You're walking through the grocery store, Web-enabled cell phone in hand. You wonder, is that gallon of organic milk really environmentally friendly?

Your cell phone can help answer that question, with information from greenscanner.net.

If you point your mobile browser to that site and type in the product code for Horizon Organic 1% Milk (UPC Code 742365264108), you'll tap into a database of environmentally focused consumer comments. For Horizon 1% milk, the overall rating is fairly good – 3.57 out of 5 – based on comments such as "better for people and cows too – fewer pesticides, etc." and "Locally-grown food is the best way to go."

The system still has many shortcomings, starting with its cumbersome requirement for entering UPC codes. In the future, consumers may be able to access GreenScanner data by taking a cell-phone photo of a product's bar code.

Another of the system's drawback is that only a few products are currently included in the database. (Got milk already? You can also try Poland Springs water with UPC Code 075720008513.)

GreenScanner's author, Bill Tomlinson, assistant professor in the Department of Informatics at UCI, says the quality and quantity of the ratings will improve as more people get involved.

Migration of 1D to 2D Barcode Scanners Market in North America

2007-06-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Migration of 1D to 2D Barcode Scanners Market in North America, reveals that the market expects to earn revenues of $968.2 million in 2012..

Coming soon: mobile phone hyperlinks for the real world

2007-06-24T09:15:00.000-05:00

2D barcodes are helping the mobile web to take a giant leap forward

Matthew Wall
Thursday June 21, 2007
The Guardian

Barcelona-based Codilink (codilink.com) is selling 20,000 2D barcode cinema tickets and discount vouchers a week, having licensed ScanBuy's technology. Codilink managing director Ben Chesser says: "Within one-and-a-half to two years, early adopters will be doing this regularly. It takes time to build awareness, but this technology is finally ready for take-off."

One drawback preventing widespread adoption has been the lack of standards in a fragmented and highly competitive mobile phone market. Few consumers have been bothered enough to download decoder software on to their phones.

The advantage of ScanBuy's proprietary software is that it can read any of the main barcode protocols, such as QR, mainly used in Japan; Data Matrix, mainly used in Europe; and EZcode, ScanBuy's code designed specifically for VGA cameraphones. And once more mobiles are shipped with decoder software built in, the mobile web will take a giant leap forward.

Whose Mobile Code Are You And Where Are Taking Me?

2007-06-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

By Scott P. Shaffer

Here's what I envision.

Google offers a 2d code creating site and places their color theme or the word Google inside of every 2d code created. Advertisers and consumers can place these mobile codes anwyhere and be connected to appropriate URL when scanned.

Because Google is so well known (brand recognition), and their applications will be adopted on the majority of mobile phones, their mobile code scanning platform will provide many functions for the Google Mobile Code.

In addition, this Google mobile phone scanning platform will also offer the ability to scan 1d barcodes as well. This opens the door for advertisers and the approx three billion 1d codes out there already.

Turn your mobile into your wallet

2007-06-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

SCANBUY enables shoppers to compare retail prices with online prices by clicking a picture of the barcode or tapping the barcode number into a downloadable mobile application.

Subscribe to us by cell phone using funky QR Code!

2007-06-24T08:56:00.001-05:00

By Rick Martin 14/06/2007
I really enjoyed Mobile Ojisan's recent post on QR code, and how these little wacky little graphics are multiplying like rabbits all over Japan. They kinda look like a chess board that's been in a car accident. But oddly enough you can take a picture of them on your phone, and it will direct you to a certain webpage.

Useless? Maybe...
Cool? Definitely!

Since reading his article, I came across an interesting web service here in China called Panghulu which uses that very same QR code to help cell phone users subscribe to a website's RSS feed (Source: China Web Review).

The Next Generation of Barcodes: QR Codes

2007-06-24T08:54:00.001-05:00

It's something of a cliché to say that something or other is "just so 20th century," but in the case of barcodes, it's kinda true. For proof look no further than Japan, which has a history of exporting ideas to us after they've been fully baked into the culture, for good (anime) or ill (I'm still on the fence about karaoke).

QR Codes are essentially two-dimensional bar codes, and they've been in use in Japan for about seven years. As camera-enabled mobile phones became more popular, companies found a nifty application for them: they made QR Code-recognition software available to phone users, who could snap a picture of a QR Code on a product and have more information sent to them instantly. The two great things about QR Code implementation is that companies have found creative uses for placement and the type of information you can get, and that patent holders Denso-Wave have made the spec available to all, which fosters that kind of creativity.

Alan Schulman has written a great article on QR Codes on iMedia Connection, but also points out that Japanese companies aren't the only ones who have been noticing the pixellated squares. Microsoft is planning to launch its High Capacity Color Barcode later this year, which uses the same concept but with, as the name implies, color. And if Microsoft is looking to one-up someone else's idea, you know it's probably a good one

Barcode, Move Aside - QR CODE is Here!

2007-06-24T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ugur Akinci, PhD -June 2, 2007

Soon we will be pushing flash movies, coupons, MP3 files, good-old text and god knows what else to our cell phones by pointing their tiny built-in cameras to a QR Code, taking a snapshot, and then pressing the SEND button.

A QR (from "Quick Response") Code can store a dozen to a few hundred times more data than a barcode because it can be programmed along both its horizontal and vertical axes.

Since it can be programmed in both directions, a QR Code can be 90% smaller than a barcode.

QR Codes can also be read from any direction. They do not need to be aligned perfectly like a barcode in order to be read correctly.

Data can be restored even if QR code is damaged or torn partially. Data from a torn barcode cannot be retrieved.

The revolution is already well underway in Japan and it's just a matter of time before it becomes just as common in America as well.

Actually I've seen two different versions of it used by a package delivery service and also by a direct mail company but its use is not widespread yet in the USA (as of June 2007).

Imagine, you are at the supermarket. You see an odd looking bottle of something on the shelf with a QR Code on it.

You point your cell phone camera at it, take a snapshot and push SEND and presto!

Soon you are watching a video about how to use the product, its benefits, complete with a 15% discount coupon that you can use right there at the same store!

McDonald's in Japan has already started tagging their food packages with QR Codes so that the consumers can download all kinds of nutrition information with their cell phones.

Welcome to the 21st century and make all your marketing plans accordingly.

Scanbuy and Syscan Digital Announce a Strategic Partnership to Market 2D Services to Chinese Mobile Carriers

2007-06-24T08:43:00.000-05:00

Scanbuy, Inc., (scanbuy.com), a global provider of mobile marketing solutions, and Syscan Digital Systems (syscano.com), a leading provider of 2D barcode solutions in China, today announced a strategic and long term partnership to market a range of 2D barcode services to mobile carriers in China.

The strategic partnership will create a solution combining technologies of both companies around 2D barcode services including: mobile ticketing and couponing, anti-fraud solutions and media codes such as WAP, SMS, or vCard codes that provide consumers with quick and simple access to digital content. The combined platform will be promoted by Chinese mobile operators and will leverage the respective strengths of both companies.

SCANBUY Focusing on 2D

2007-06-24T08:37:00.000-05:00

Have you seen what I have seen on SCANBUY's web site?
No more SCANBUY Shopper in front page, a real focus on 2D.
I wonder what happened to the SDK business...

EverMobile: 10% of revs likely from scanning solutions in 2008

2007-05-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

Brazilian mobile payment solutions provider EverMobile believes scanning applications have potential to account for 10% of its revenues in 2008, EverMobile business development manager Sergio Goldstein told BNamericas.

Today EverMobile gains 100% of its revenues from financial solutions for cell phones, but it recently established a partnership with US solutions provider Scanbuy, whose software transforms cell phones into barcode scanners via the inbuilt camera.

Brazilian mobile operators generate only 8% of their revenues from data services, compared to a worldwide average of 20%, and are surely eager to try new data-centric applications, according to Goldstein.

Scanbuy and RATP Launch Europe's First Interactive Environment for Buses and Subways Using 2D Barcode Technology

2007-05-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, May 1 PRNewswire — Scanbuy, Inc., a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, announced today the launch of a pilot program with Regie Autonome Transports Parisiens (known as RATP, the major transit operator in Paris and its environs) and faberNovel, an innovation consulting firm, to create an interactive transit station to allow commuters and travelers easy access to information using their cell phones and handheld devices. Outside of Japan, the program is the first operation of its kind in the world.

"RATP is responsible for most public transportations in and around Paris and our mission is focused on creating an easier and better travel experience to consumers, in particular in delivering personalized real-time information" said Thierry Anselot of RATP. "We've chosen to work with Scanbuy because their barcode-capture technology and services platforms are the most advanced in the market and offer proactive delivery of real-time information and communication to mobile consumers.

Scanbuy and Telefonica Moviles Espana to Launch Solution Allowing Widespread Use of Barcodes with Mobile Handsets in Spain

2007-04-10T19:41:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Scanbuy, Inc., a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, today announced the completion of its mobile barcode platform created for Telefonica Moviles Espana, the largest wireless operator in Spain (TME). The platform is the first of its kind in Europe to combine multiple uses of barcodes on mobile handsets.
[...]
"Being selected by Telefonica Moviles Espana, the leading mobile operator in Spain, is not only proof of Scanbuy's best of breed mobile barcode technology but it also positions Scanbuy as the global industry leader," said Jonathan Bulkeley, Chief Executive Officer of Scanbuy, Inc. "Scanbuy provides mobile operators and content providers with more complete utility than any other vendor. Scanbuy will continue to add functionality to its platform and work with handset manufacturers to provide Telefonica Moviles Espana subscribers the best user experience possible."

Lara Croft llega a los móviles a través de códigos bidimensionales

2007-04-07T08:38:00.000-05:00

Movistar introduce los códigos 2D para descargarse juegos, ejecutar vídeos o acceder a páginas web

L.F. - Madrid - 21/03/2007

Movistar ha utilizado el tirón del videojuego Tomb Raider para lanzar una nueva tecnología, los códigos 2D, formados por cuadros blancos y negros, que contienen información binaria, que permite descargarse un videojuego, entrar en una página web o sustituir a una entrada de cine.

El funcionamiento es sencillo. Sólo se necesita una aplicación gratuita, que se obtiene enviando un mensaje de texto (sms) al 404 con la palabra "BIDI", y un teléfono con funciones multimedia que incluya una cámara de fotos. Actualmente, el 80% de los clientes de Movistar usan terminales con estas características.

2D Barcode Manifesto

2007-04-07T08:16:00.000-05:00

Posted by Tommi at 02:50 PM | Categories: Nokia S60 applications

Seven months have passed since I wrote the post titled "2D barcodes will rule the earth", which provoked a lively discussion. Thank you for that.

Now, we are finally about to put Nokia's Barcode Reader application under N80 and N73 support pages, and to the Download! client. In addition, the app should be in the latest N93 firmware in all variants. However, it will work only in these devices. There is a simple explanation for this: to ensure the best possible user experience, we will have to do tweaks for each camera module, and build separate versions of the app.

Anyway, here's my 10-point manifesto about 2D barcodes, mimicking Guy Kawasaki's famous presentation style. I wanted to publish this post on the day that the app becomes available, but I'll be on vacation during 13-26 December. I hope the app becomes available during this time.

Read on, my friends.

Vegan Barcode Fashion T-Shirt

2007-04-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

New Bar Codes Can Talk With Your Cellphone

2007-04-07T08:10:00.000-05:00

From New York Times 04/01/2007
By LOUISE STORY

It sounds like something straight out of a futuristic film: House hunters, driving past a for-sale sign, stop and point their cellphone at the sign. With a click, their cellphone screen displays the asking price, the number of bedrooms and baths and lots of other details about the house.

The ability of cellphones to read bar codes is still rudimentary in the United States, but here is a basic demonstration.

Media experts say that cellphones, the Swiss Army knives of technology, are quickly heading in this direction. New technology, already in use in parts of Asia but still in development in the United States, allows the phones to connect everyday objects with the Internet.

Barcodes for Cellphones - Why the US isn’t Ready Yet

2007-04-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Posted by ericobrien in advertising, wireless, Internet. trackback

The NYT published an article about barcodes for cellphones in yesterday’s Sunday Times. The article does a good job summarizing many of the benefits of using your cell phone as a barcode scanner that can translate specialized two-dimensional barcodes from print or other offline media into some piece of digital information - a URL, a coupon, a ticket, etc. We think the concept is long overdue - barcodes and cellphones can bridge the offline world with the online world in many compelling ways. But frankly, we were surprised to even see an article in reference to barcode use in the US, as we believe the structural nature of the wireless industry here will keep us from enjoying the benefits of cellphone barcodes for a long time to come.

It will be difficult, as the article points out, for barcodes to enjoy widespread use if a client download is required to make things work. This is where the carriers can significantly accelerate adoption, by getting their handset vendors to pre-load the software onto phones so that barcode functionality comes by default. But alas, what’s in it for the carriers? More data traffic? A cut of advertising revenue?

Personal Barcode Scanner

2007-04-07T07:58:00.000-05:00

If you ever wanted to do an inventory of all your cool (and not so cool) stuff then the Intelliscanner is just what you’ve been waiting for, your own personal barcode scanner.

With the Intelliscanner, you read the barcodes on the items you want to list and monitor and then upload them to your PC. The system comes with software for managing wine collections, home inventory, groceries, books, cds, dvds, comic books, etc. I can see it being useful for DVDs and things but do you really need to know how many cans of beans you’ve got in the cupboard (frozen pizzas maybe).

The Intelliscanner Mini is available at TG for $299.99 and if your comic collection is worth more than that you probably need it

2D Barcode Discussed by Mobile Execs Today

2007-03-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, 2D is better.

The 2D in this case is the barcode, and it might soon be the target of a world's worth of mobile phone cameras, if the stated goal of a London meeting of mobile executives is achieved. That meeting is to take place today, and representatives from Nokia, Vodafone, Sony Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom, and other industry leaders are slated to attend.

We have this technology already, of course, if the we we're talking about is South Korea and Japan. Customers in those countries certainly can use their mobiles to scan barcodes and find out all manner of pricing and manufacturing information about a host of products. But the we that is North America and Europe lags in that department. Common software is a big reason for this, but disagreements on implementation have held up such cooperations in the past as well. It is hoped that the London meeting will change all that.

Basic agreements on how to catalog and report barcode information are vital, as are manufacturers committed to the technology. DuPont has been up-front in its desire to affix 2D barcodes to cans, bottles, and other types of packaging for its products. Other companies seem poised to follow DuPont's lead. With any luck, all of this will come together at roughly the same time and we won't be kept waiting, again.

Cell phones could soon turn into sell phones

2007-03-07T18:58:00.000-05:00

Comparison shopping could be the next big thing for the multi-use devices

In an age where cell phones have become the ultimate multitasking device, a handful of entrepreneurs are hoping to add another use: comparison shopping.

Manhattan-based Scanbuy offers a similar application for cell-phone users who have an unlimited data plan.

The niche of people using these services is still small, but the companies are eyeing an ever-growing population of cell-phone users who are becoming increasingly accustomed to accessing the Internet on their phones. In a December survey by the NPD Group, a Port Washington, N.Y., market-research company, 40 percent of subscribers had some form of data plan, and of those browsing the Internet on their cell phones, 75 percent visited either eBay or Amazon.com.

Scanbuy's 2D barcode technology to be embedded in MediaTek's global mobile phone platform

2007-03-07T18:49:00.000-05:00

Scanbuy Inc., a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with MediaTek Inc., a global leader in consumer and communications IC solutions, to embed Scanbuy 2D barcode technology in MediaTek's platform marketed to handset manufacturers globally.

MediaTek, a global supplier of wireless communication chipsets and the leading supplier in the greater China market, will offer the Scanbuy barcode technology to all its handset customers throughout the world.

Several key customers are already in testing phase with the technology.

"MediaTek's global handset customer base makes them an ideal partner," said Jonathan Bulkeley, CEO, Scanbuy. "We're pleased MediaTek is committed to bringing the advanced functionality of our proven barcode-capture technology to their handset partners worldwide."

Serving as a cooperative partner with mainland China's largest cell phone brands, JiChang Hsu, VP, Wireless Communications BU, MediaTek, said: "We have seen increasing demand from our handset customers barcode-capture technology and we chose Scanbuy because of their state-of-the-art technology and commitment to customer support."

Scanbuy Hires Jim Edson as SVP Business Development

2007-02-22T07:27:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Scanbuy, Inc., (http://www.scanbuy.com/) a global provider of wireless commerce solutions, today announced it has expanded its management team with the addition of Jim Edson as Senior Vice President of Business Development.

A seasoned executive, Jim Edson brings twenty years of global business development experience with a particular focus on mobile solutions that require both mobile handset and mobile carrier collaboration. He will be responsible for relationship-building with mobile handset manufacturers, chipset providers and wireless carriers in his new role.

Prior to joining Scanbuy, Edson was SVP of business development at PacketVideo Corporation, the world's leading provider of embedded multimedia software and applications. At PacketVideo he focused on new applications, developing new markets, and nurturing relationships with global carriers and handset OEMs. Previously, Edson held various sales, marketing and general management positions with several major wireless vendors including Motorola, Qualcomm and Ericsson,

Edson's career includes successful long-term expatriate assignments in Japan, South Asia and Latin America. He was a co-founder and board member of a PCS operator in Chile and a fixed wireless service provider in Brazil.

Barcodeproject Amsterdam Museum Night

2007-02-21T08:32:00.001-05:00

Visitors to tonights Amsterdam Museum Night may notice a barcode near various artworks. Those who take a picture of that barcode with their cellular and send it to the given emailaddress will receive additional background information about the artwork.

The Amsterdam Historic Museum, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Rembrandthouse and Nemo are among the six that participate in this barcodeproject. Each of them selected five objects. [via Smart Mobs via emerce]

Trident: Tamagotchi meets Barcode Battler?

2007-02-21T08:31:00.001-05:00

Earlier this month, Preamble Corp. released Trident, a virtual pet game for camera phones.

Players feed their virtual pets by scanning QR codes. Then, in "battle mode," the pets fight with each other. In order to win a battle, players should feed thier pets the right food (or QR code) and thereby raising/strenghening the pets and collecting key items. For example, if a fight can last long, you may want to feed lots of good food before the fight.

More wonderful barcodes

2007-02-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

A video of whimsical barcodes from Japan's Design Barcode, Inc. that won the Titanium Lion for Design at the Cannes Lions 2006, 53rd International Advertising Festival. [via digg]

As of today, 15 companies are utilizing Design Barcodes in their packaging, and approximately 60 kinds of Design Barcodes are circulating in the marketplace. There have been zero instances of false readings resulting from these barcodes.

Airlines look at mobile phone boarding passes

2007-02-21T08:25:00.000-05:00

By 2010 UK airline passengers could be checking in and boarding flights using an electronic barcode transmitted to their mobile phone, industry experts predict. [via Computing]

"Airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are considering mobile technology as an alternative to traditional magnetic strip-based boarding passes."

Shopping by cellphone has a few kinks

2007-02-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

ScanBuy Shopper, on the other hand, casts a massive net. It scours Amazon Marketplace, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com and Yahoo Shopping for prices, and it finds some real steals.

Bottom line: Mobile price comparison systems leave much to be desired, but I'd still recommend Frucall and ScanBuy (if your phone supports it).

Under the right circumstances, both of these free services can answer a question that has plagued shoppers for a decade now: "I wonder if I could get this cheaper online?"

SO MANY CHOICES

SERVICE	PRO	CON
Frucall	Normal voice call	Results take longer to say than read
ScanBuy Shopper	Searches several sites	Won't work on many phones
Mobsaver	Easy to text barcode	Searches only two sites
Froogle SMS	Uses keywords, not numbers	Can return wrong product
Pronto	Full search, good bargains	Very slow on phone

Barcode Recognition in Flash

2007-02-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

As part of my new year, I’ve decided to start putting more code out there earlier. I have a tendency to build projects in private, trying to get things perfect before I reveal them publicly. The end result is that I have a lot of code gathering dust in the corners of my hard drive. No more. That’s why I’m going to post one of the mini-projects I’ve been working on for the last little while: a Flash-based barcode recognition library.

I know what you’re thinking: Why the heck would anyone want to build a Flash-based barcode recognition library? Why not try the demo yourself and see!

The idea is simple: allow use of a commodity webcam as a barcode reader, thus allowing users to efficiently input physical items into web-based applications. Using digital cameras as a cheap alternative to traditional barcode scanners isn’t an original idea - Delicious Library uses iSight to allow its users to input their CDs, DVDs, and other media into a personal media library. Unfortunately, that particular application is a heavy application that’s only available on the Mac - what I want to do is build a simple way to provide that same kind of functionality in platform independent web-based applications.

More here

DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers & Scanbuy to Bring Interactive Packaging Technology to the Packaging Industry

2007-02-21T07:19:00.000-05:00

EW YORK, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Scanbuy, Inc., (http://www.scanbuy.com/) a global provider of wireless commerce solutions today announced an exclusive agreement with DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP) (http://www.dupont.com/) to license Scanbuy's interactive 2D (two dimensional) barcode technology for packaging applications. As a part of the agreement, DuPont P&IP will be the exclusive marketer of Scanbuy's interactive camera-phone technology to the packaging industry.

DuPont P&IP selected Scanbuy as its exclusive technology provider to commercialize and market Scanbuy's interactive technology to select global brands under the DuPont banner. When imbedded in product packaging, 2D barcode technology enables a myriad of consumer interactive applications directly from mobile handsets. Some potential uses in packaging are checking nutritional content of food & beverages or determining if a cosmetic is suited for you, and more sophisticated uses like playing games & winning prizes.

"Smart packaging represents a key future packaging trend and opens up new opportunities that run the gamut from better inventory tracking to brand enhancement," said Dr. John Hillenbrand, Vice President, Innovation and Technology for DuPont P&IP business unit. "We chose to partner with Scanbuy because their barcode-capture technology and services platforms are clearly more advanced and robust than others in the market."

More here

A little light on Neomedia vs Abaxia is shed

2007-02-21T07:14:00.000-05:00

The plot thickens

By Tony Dennis: Tuesday 20 February 2007, 21:15

HAVING PUBLISHED the rumour that French software house, Abaxia, was thinking of suing arch rival, Neomedia Technologies, over bar code technology, the INQ has been deluged with requests for more information.

Sadly, we haven't been able to get either side to comment as yet. But there is some light that we can shed on the matter.

There are definitely moves ahead to create a global standard for mobile bar-coding.

As Neomedia recently stated,"We are also making great strides to create a global standard for the wireless Web and have scheduled a high-level meeting in London this month [February] with some of the world's leading technology firms to begin to define and document this important standards-based initiative."

It also said, "We envision a future in which consumers routinely "qode it" when they want more information on a product or service."

The company obviously wants to establish its own brand – Qode- as the standard name for this kind of behaviour. Just as photocopying was once called 'Xeroxing'.

The fly in the ointment is that Abaxia and its existing customerbase, which includes several leading mobile operators, don't reckon that Neomedia can actually patent the technology in Europe.

In Europe you can't patent something which people have been doing for ages, just because you're the first to the patent office with an application form.

More here

Upwardly Mobile: Where are all the QRs?

2007-02-21T07:08:00.000-05:00

Ever heard of QR codes? No? Neither have many other people in the UK, apparently. Jo Best explains all about the many uses of this quirky mobile tech from - where else - Japan.

In the last Upwardly Mobile column, I called for smarter use of cameraphones - more business applications, less taking drunk pictures of your mates.

As usual it seems the cradle of mobile civilisation, Japan, has found and deployed a system to take advantage of cameraphones which is being embraced by retailers and consumers alike. It's called 'QR codes'.