Future of mobile tagging

[binny]

This is interesting stuff

http://www.slideshare.net/PSFK/psfk-presents-future-of-mobile-tagging-report

 

[Systreg]

I don't see the point in stuff like that, if I went shopping, and if I owned a mobile phone, why would I want to do download these barcode tag things for information, when I can just read it on the packet?

 

[binny]

I don't see the point in stuff like that, if I went shopping, and if I owned a mobile phone, why would I want to do download these barcode tag things for information, when I can just read it on the packet?

Why would I need a computer-me-bob with interweb and largeband when I have newspapers?

 

[Systreg]

@ Binny, why I can't see the point in things like this is, someone looks at a product in front of them in a shop, they have to take their phone out, switch it on, scan the code in to the phone, that sends a message to server according to the link above, the server gets some information and sends it back to the phone, you then read the information.

Looks like a lot of faffing about when you can simply pick up the product and read what's on the label, or if it's a large item, read the info displayed next to it, why the need for barcodes to tell people something that's directly in front of them anyway.

PS, I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to anything new and/or technological, it's not something I'll ever use as I don't own a mobile phone, the house phone does me

 

[binny]

@ Binny, why I can't see the point in things like this is, someone looks at a product in front of them in a shop, they have to take their phone out, switch it on, scan the code in to the phone, that sends a message to server according to the link above, the server gets some information and sends it back to the phone, you then read the information.

Looks like a lot of faffing about when you can simply pick up the product and read what's on the label, or if it's a large item, read the info displayed next to it, why the need for barcodes to tell people something that's directly in front of them anyway.

PS, I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to anything new and/or technological, it's not something I'll ever use as I don't own a mobile phone, the house phone does me

Thats how mobile tagging has been primarily used up to now though, the link shows where it could be going with its other potential uses.

 

[rob]

Old/clunky tech.

Near Field Comms is the way its moving, more mobiles are having them in soon. Samsung Galaxy 2 was/is due to come with NFC.

Choose:
- Why load the camera, select scan, hold it level to get a decent picture, wait, read?
- Hold close, wait.... read pay play communicate...much more!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication

 

[Systreg]

@ Rob, so, with this barcode scanning lark, you have to take an actual photo of the barcode itself? I assumed the phone had a swiper barcode reader on it like they have at a supermarket checkout, no?

 

[philipp]

Yes you just take a photo of the barcode and the phone analyses the image to extract it. Pretty neat really, and surely cheaper than NFC (if a bit clunky).

P.

 

[monaghan]

Seems like a good way to eat up your mobile data allowance and push more revenue to the phone companies

Being an old git, I can't see the point, but over the last 10-15 years, there's been so many pointless things become huge via the Internet, just look at facebook, if you'd told someone 10 years ago that they'd logon to a website to post a message to tell their friends what they were having for breakfast, they'd have locked you up and thrown away the key.

 

[rob]

Yes you just take a photo of the barcode and the phone analyses the image to extract it. Pretty neat really, and surely cheaper than NFC (if a bit clunky).

P.

Price is rarely a long term issue in technology.

 

[techtimmy]

The general idea is excellent. See a product in a shop, scan it, find the cheapest price on the web, but it online instead at a reduced price. Gotta be a good thing.

 

[ribble-valley]

I'm already implementing this in the real world for clients. One example is on a postcard, which links to an exclusive discount voucher online.

I've a number of domains on this subject in my portfolio too.

They're no doubt handy for marketing and I've seen a couple of them on TV ads too. I like the idea of providing exclusivity for people scanning them. We had fun running trials and with smartphone apps, scanning them with the camera is really easy.

Watch this space, next week I'll have a new site finished which relates to this exact subject.

 

[ribble-valley]

surely it's a case that you can scan the barcode, the phone searches the internet for that product and finds:

• cheaper price elsewhere
• product reviews
• additional items that can be bought with this item, etc

To me, this information can prove to be invaluable before I make a purchase. Especially for higher priced items.

Already saved money doing this. With recent instructions from google products/shopping to add 2 out of 3 particulars to your data feed... 'Brand, MPN & EAN13' ...and next month to ensure shipping & tax information is provided for each product too - comparison of product prices via popular technology is no doubt taking another leap forward.

 

[killaclown]

I'm addicted to this, I'll not buy anything over £20 without scanning first. Theres an app for iphone called Redlaser, easy to use and fast.

If the item is well under internet prices I give it a miss, but if theres only a few quid I'll go for it.

Almost bought a shaver on special offer for £36, scanned it turned out its only £29 in comet/currys all the time.

I think it gives you product overview too.

 

[binny]

Its about a lot more than price comparison though, in other countires its being used far more such as on billboards for movies or albums where the mobile tag takes you to a music clip or trailer.

 

[Aaron Clifford]

surely it's a case that you can scan the barcode, the phone searches the internet for that product and finds:

• cheaper price elsewhere
• product reviews
• additional items that can be bought with this item, etc

To me, this information can prove to be invaluable before I make a purchase. Especially for higher priced items.

I've got a bar code scanner app for my Galaxy S and it's great for finding the best price for things If I'm out and about.

 

[TinkyWinky]

NFC will be here in maybe the next 2 years in a big way as Rob says.

Just think wander into a shop - want to buy something - swipe your phone and payment done... no faff, no image crap just a payment via your mobile.

"contactless transactions, access digital content, and connect electronic devices with a single touch"

All you need to know is what shops will offer NFC as a payment option. Now that I like as no need for loose cash or notes or running down to the cashpoint!

TW