For the past few weeks, we have been Beta testing our latest code action, the OS Detection code.  This is our latest example of our Premium Codes, that use the analytics from mobile user traffic in real time to deliver dynamic and relevant content.  In this case, the code detects the OS (operating system) of the mobile device scanning the code, and redirects to content the code publishers choose to show. 

This works with both the ScanLife app, and any other standard QR Code reader.

Of course, the best application for this code, is to get a mobile application!  Many brands and publishers have apps for iPhone, Android, and maybe BlackBerry.  A single OS Detection code can be created for all of the leading operating systems, and there is even a default landing page in case you have an app for two of these, but not the others.

Here’s a video showing how the same code goes to different app stores based on the device – Android and iPhone:

Here’s a video that shows how easy it is to do this with a ScanLife Business account:

This takes minutes to set up, and you don’t have to bother with building any landing pages or investing in extra mobile detection systems. You just plug in the URLs, and you’re done!

Here’s a code to try it yourself:

2D barcodes, or QR Codes, are quickly growing in popularity to easily link physical objects to digital content.   We just released the ScanLife browser extension to make it easier than ever to create a 2D code from anywhere on the web in a one click.

Why use the extension?

The extension works for the same reason why many people use tool bars instead of actual websites – speed!  This tool makes it faster than ever to create, display and download all major 2D barcode formats (QR code, EZcode, and Datamatrix) from anywhere on the web.

Other benefits:

• Create a code right from from any URL link or image file.
• Link your codes to an existing ScanLife account so you can edit your codes at a later time, or get analytics from the scans if you have a Business account.
• Download the code in multiple formats for print or the web.
• Works on major browsers like IE, Firefox and Chrome (see links at bottom)

Possible Uses:

• Save a great photo from Facebook, Flickr, etc. right to your phone.
• Place your digital “badge” on places like your resume, email signature, t-shirts and more.  Just go to your Facebook or Twitter page and create a code.
• Quickly create a code from Google Maps to take contact information or directions to a new restaurant or store.
• For business use, you can create codes in bulk without logging into your ScanLife account. This may make it easier to create a bunch of codes in a short period of time.

Get the extension now for any browser:

Internet Explorer

Firefox

Chrome

Once you have the file installed, it should be very simple to use, but you can look at some detail instruction right here.

Let us know how would you use it…

We’re very happy to announce our new developer’s program today called ScanLife Innovation Exchange.   Over the years, we have received ideas from hundreds of businesses with unique and exciting ways to use this technology.  The Innovation Exchange will give everyone access to the most comprehensive set of tools to easily develop custom mobile barcode applications and services while leveraging the existing ScanLife core products.

Some of the key products include:

• SDKs to include a barcode scanner in your own Android or iPhone app (both a callable and a new embedded version)
• An Enterprise version of the ScanLife app which can be used instead of the SDK for those that don’t want to develop their own apps (available to Java, BlackBerry, Windows, and Symbian)
• Separate REST API’s that allow you to Create, Edit, and get Reports on multiple 2D code formats like QR, Datamatrix and EZcode
• Printer SDK to convert unique EZcodes into a TrueType font to print from any ink-jet printer

These tools can be used individually in certain cases, or they can be combined to build a completely custom mobile barcode system.  It’s really up to you to decide what is best for your project requirements.

With over 700% growth in the space, we believe this is the perfect time to make this available, and we have really just scratched the surface of how this technology can be used.

Thanks for your continued support, and keep the great ideas coming!!

We have reported before that half the scans from ScanLife come from regular UPC codes on product to get information like price comparisons, user reviews, MP3 downloads, and other details.  We take each UPC number and look it up through a number of data feeds supplied by Amazon, Google, Linkshare, and major retailers to give you the most relevant data from every scan.

Now, we have released a way for you to connect to that portal from other apps like Google Barcode Scanner or Red Laser.  This can also be used by developers that are using the ScanLife SDK or other SDK’s to build your barcode scanning apps!

Here’s how to set it up in the Barcode Scanner app on Android:

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