Google Tests New Barcode Tech in Newspaper Ad Program

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.

Will Google Make Scanbuy A Mobile Barcode Winner?

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

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.