Mobile Marketing, Mobile Applications and Services -

One of the largest mobile handset manufacturer, Motorola has invested in a mobile barcode solution provider Scanbuy. This is the first attempt by Motorola to enter the barcode segment. With the increasing demand of multiple functionality in mobile phones, reading bar codes is gaining huge popularity. The new craze for mobile application has opened door for lot of creativity in mobile segment. Barcode reader is one of them.

The available iPhone and android apps read the barcodes on products and search for the product prices from various other retailers. This helps the user to make a smart decision before making a purchase. The idea behind barcode solutions is to create  a link between the physical world and the digital world.

The ScanLife solution consists of a multi-barcode reader application and interoperable Code Management Platform. Scanbuy also offers a unique service related to barcode campaigns. Using the service, an advertiser can create a 2D barcode which can be placed in magazine advertisement. Users can take a photo of the barcode and with the use of an application in their mobiles they will be directed to a web page to buy products, receive coupons etc as specified by the advertiser.

From the Press Release:

Business users can access the ScanLife Code Management Platform to track and analyze data such as scan quantities and locations, empowering them to better understand consumer habits and further target their advertising. Millions of people around the world already have ScanLife on devices using major operating systems like Android, BlackBerry OS, iPhone OS, Java and Symbian, extending the reach and power of the platform.

Reese Schroeder, managing director of Motorola Ventures,”Motorola has looked at this market very carefully and believes that Scanbuy has the best combination of technology and strong ecosystem partners in its space.” He added, ”Mobile barcodes are an extremely powerful tool for consumers, businesses and wireless providers, which makes this opportunity very exciting for Motorola. The camera quality, display capability and processing power of today’s smartphones, coupled with advanced network speeds, now enable consumers and the advertising community to fully take advantage of mobile barcode technology.”

The application from Scanbuy is available for almost all mobile operating systems.

Its a great move by Motorola considering all mobile manufacturers have been extending their arm in more than just being a regular phone. As the demand for feature rich phones go high, mobile manufacturers will have to either innovates on their own or buy the already existing products.