2D barcodes like QR Codes are popping up more than ever before, so we’re announcing a new contest that rewards you for hunting em’ down.  Here’s how to play:

1. Search and find any 2D code on a print ad, poster, package – wherever!  This does not include regular UPC codes.
2. Snap a photo of the entire environment around the code
3. Post the image to our Facebook wall – www.facebook.com/scanlife (Must “like” us first if you don’t already)
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for your best chance to win!  Contest ends on March 1st.

The 5 people who upload the highest number of QR code images to our wall will receive $50 to 100 gift cards from places like Starbucks, iTunes, Amazon and more! See rules and regulations below:

Get the Entire Image

Not Just the Code

Thanks and let the hunt begin!

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With barcode scanning becoming more and more popular every day, and we were starting to hear from a growing number of non-Smartphone users who wanted in on the fun.  While we have apps that work on Java & even BREW devices, we just launched a new service that increases our reach in the US by 35% in a single day!

“Scan & Send” basically allows someone to take a normal picture of a 2D or 1D barcode, send it to us by MMS or email, we will decode it from our server and send back the correct content.  Here’s the real kicker – this works on industry standard barcodes like QR Codes, Datamatrix, EZcode, and even UPC codes with an auto-focus camera.  So, if you’re one of the 20 million people in the US that already have a standard code reader on your phone, you can just launch the app (hopefully ScanLife) to get the content is seconds.  If not, use Scan & Send!

MMS works in the US by sending the picture to 43588, and it’s available to AT&T, Verizon and Sprint – the top 3 carriers, and hopefully we will have the fourth very soon.

Not in the US?  Just send the picture to scan@scanlife.com, and we’ll send a link back by email instead.

So, you want to use standard QR Codes, but also want to reach three times more people than just Smartphones?  Here’s your answer!

As we move into a new year, we wanted to reflect on a pretty amazing 2010, so we just released a year-end Mobile Barcode Trend Report . When we launched ScanLife in Beta in 2008, it was a time when “Droid” was just something from a sci-fi movie and camera phones were meant for throwaway snapshots.  To say things have changed is an understatement.

In 2010, ScanLife saw over 1600% growth in mobile barcode traffic.  That doubled in the fourth quarter alone!  A year ago, ScanLife couldn’t even read UPC codes, and now it is more than half our traffic offering content ranging from local prices to coupons to nutritional information.

Some other highlights from the report:

• The largest scan days of the year for us were the day after Thanksgiving (“Black Friday”) and Christmas Day (as people received gifts, many being new Smartphones)
• The top most used features for people scanning UPC codes are Coupons, Prices, and Nutritional Info.  This reflects previous learning that Food and Personal Care are the most scanned categories.
• There was a 13% increase in female to male traffic, and a 25% increase in the 25-54 age group.  This is likely indicative of how the technology is evolving, and going more mainstream.

We truly appreciate the support of all our users and customers, and can’t wait to make 2011 the year mobile barcodes go completely mainstream.

You can download the full report here.

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’ve seen some pretty wild used of ScanLife, and this is up there!

A public art exhibition dubbed, “Sidewalk Catwalk” launched last week which consists of 32 mannequins – each one created by top American designers.  One of the mannequins was designed by a big ScanLife supporter, Norma Kamali.  She used this opportunity to blend fashion with technology by covering her mannequin from head to toe in red 2D ScanLife codes.  Each code instantly links to one of 17 unique videos related to Kamali’s collection.

Open ScanLife, and try it out! (You may need to click on the image to enlarge.)

As you may remember, Kamali introduced ScanLife throughout her store in NYC, but this is really taking it to a new level!  The mannequins will be auctioned off for charity at the end of the Summer on Labor Day.

You can check out some coverage on the story from the NY Daily News.

ScanLife has released an update to its ScanLife Code Management Platform which has some great features for Business accounts.  The first and largest is that we have added the ability to generate both QR Codes and Datamatrix codes right from ScanLife.  These will be in addition to the EZcode – all of which the ScanLife app can read on any supported phone.

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A couple of new projects launched last week, giving people a whole new way to get into fashion.

March issue of Esquire Magazine

Esquire Magazine is using ScanLife as part of their  “Esquire Collection” which details the essential wardrobe that every guy should have.  25 codes are connected to each individual item throughout the layout which gives readers a menu of options in one-click.

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