For starters, the application can only read and decipher proprietary EZcodes. Unfortunately the ScanLife application offers no support for 1D UPC/EAN barcodes, or Data Matrix, Aztec, or QR codes. This is the major downfall of the application, since it only supports one proprietary 2D symbology. As a result, ScanLife is not a true universal code reader.

For those wanting a much more intuitive mobile code reading experience, I highly recommend the NeoReader application from NeoMedia Technologies. The NeoReader is able to read and decipher all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and all 1D UPC/EAN/Code 128 open source codes. The NeoReader supports direct and indirect code linking, which guarantees maximum interoperability with already existing platforms like 2D Data Matrix Semacodes, and Japanese QR links. This allows the user to click on a variety of barcodes with a single application installed on their mobile device.

Download the NeoReader and instantly transform your iPhone into a universal code reader.

Bar codes create bridge for window-shoppers
Ryan Kim, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, March 27, 2008
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/.....LVQQOB.DTL

http://b-side.com.sg/blog/2007.....apore.html

Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader features NeoMedia’s patented resolution technology combined with Gavitec’s ultra-small footprint and platform independent algorithms. It is able to read and decipher all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and all 1D UPC/EAN/Code 128 open source codes. The NeoReader supports direct and indirect code linking, which guarantees maximum interoperability with already existing platforms like 2D Data Matrix Semacodes, and Japanese QR links. This allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed on their mobile device.

The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry. Visit get.neoreader.com to download the free application, and instantly transform your mobile phone into a universal code reader.

http://www.neoreader.com

Scanbuy’s indirect resolution process, which they use for their proprietary EZcode, is infringing on NeoMedia Technologies’ core patents.

Indirect encoding (patented by NeoMedia) is the process of linking the target information to an index (364528 for example) and putting that unique identifier into a 1D UPC/EAN or 2D barcode. The code reader on the mobile phone reads the barcode and sends the code data over the Internet to a central resolution server that will tell the mobile phone what action is associated with the index, i.e. access a URL, download media, initiate a phone call, ect.

NeoMedia Technologies has a suite of twelve issued patents covering the core concepts behind linking the physical world to the electronic world dating back to 1995. These patents cover various linkage methods including: Barcodes, RFID, Mag Stripe, Voice, and Other machine readable and keyed entry identifiers.

http://neom.com/13.html

NeoMedia brought suit against Scanbuy for patent infringement. Litigation has been ongoing.

You can not scan the 1D barcode there with the cam (due to the problems Conrad - @29 mentioned) but entering a numeric-only string on the mobile is quiet fast and i guess they are getting even better with their stuff when time comes.

I’ve been thinking lately that it’d be great to have a product comparison/rating system as well. You could scan, say, ZipLock brand “Zip and Steam” bags (for steaming veggies in the microwave) and see if they actually work, or if it is just marketing (they do work, btw.)

So yes, the ability to scan a product, have customer reviews, and perhaps the ability to find it at other markets, though that may be difficult to orchestrate. The recommendation system only requires a unique ID for each product, which is exactly what a UPC is.

And finally… the next pickup line:

“Can I scan your barcode?”

One of the best implementations I’ve heard of is that QRCs were placed in retail stores and allowed shoppers to visit the relevant product page on amazon.co.jp to compare pricing and other information.

I don’t know where the incentive for the shop is there but it sounds cool.

QR-Codes totally offer what you want and there are many services that do great stuff with them like
http://www.semapedia.org/
http://www.snappr.net
or http://www.emmacott.com

I must say I like these ‘community driven’ and more standardized services waaaay better

Each of the different formats and companies deploying them have all had some unique offerings, and variations on locking you in to their format, or monetizing it in some fashion. However, if you look at the growth over time and adoption of each of these technologies, its very clear to see that the most open and transparent offerings like Semacode are the ones building the largest user base, and offer the most value.

A killer app like iMatrix that can read all of the formats and provide value in doing so without restricting you to just one format, is going to help adoption.

I have a personal wish that some of the original IP and features of ShotCodes back when they were called SpotCodes when it was still being developed by High Energy Magic/University of Cambridge - were things like telemetry tracking and other data that provided realtime 2 way feedback once you “locked on” to a target - it was really compelling and allowed for interactive experiences with the codes, above and beyond the simple transmission of ID’s and small amounts of data. A user could physically “lock on” to a code, and then manipulate their phone while maintaining a lock, and the phone could transmit data to a nearby bluetooth server, and simultaneously receive back additional data from the same server or device. It allowed for some very interesting prototypes and user experience.

For another one of these machine code companies to really break out, they are going to need a ubiquitous client, the ability to make their codes without any licensing agreements or lock in/tie in to their backend, and they will need to up the bar to add features like what the ShotCode guys originally had - otherwise they simple wont get very far in North America with such a splintered and diverse market of devices, carriers and consumers.