Google has recently released Product Search on the Android. Just like its desktop counterpart, the mobile product search lets users view the prices, details and reviews about products they’re interested in. Details about the product include technical specifications and ratings as well. This information helps the consumer make a wise decision with regards to purchases.
Now Google has taken this concept one higher with a barcode scanner app. The Barcode Scanner is available on the Android Market. It is found under the Application/Shopping category. It is based on Google’s ZXing open source project.
You will need to install the app first before you can use it. Go to the Google Product Search for Mobile page, and then click on the “More” tab and choose Shopping from the menu. Gto the “Scan Barcode” button to install the latest version of the Barcode Scanner app. Then click on the “use by default for this action.”
The barcode scanner works this way. When the user is already in a store and he’s not sure about the product he is about to purchase, he can use the app to scan the product’s barcode. Open the app, and center the red line over the product’s barcode. Be sure to keep the phone steady. Once the barcode is scanned, a Google page will open with all the important information about the product. If you need to use the Barcode Scanner again, you can access it by tapping on the barcode button on the top of the Product Search page. The Barcode Scanner is currently available for Android devices in the UK and the US.
ZXing, or Zebra Crossing, is Google’s open source barcode image processing program which decodes the barcodes with the use of your mobile phone. At present, there are apps for the Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Java enabled phones. The iPhone app is called Barcodes and is available from the iTunes App Store.
The Barcode Scanner for the T-Mobile G1 gives users convenience in finding out more about the product before actually purchasing it. There is no need to type in the full name of the product or its complicated serial number, to search for it.
This is one useful app that everyone can use. It makes Product Search a lot easier, and more efficient. You’ll get the exact product you’re looking for. That means savings on time and money for the user.
If you’re interested in this open source project, you can read more about it here.
