Category: Featured News

ScanLife looks to break down language barriers with QR codes

| November 7, 2012

 

qr codes technologyScanLife introduces language detecting QR codes

ScanLife, a leading mobile platform specializing in QR codes, has announced the release of language detection for its QR codes. These codes will be able to detect the language settings of a user’s mobile device, thus delivering content in a language they are comfortable with. Language detecting QR codes could have profound implications for several types of mobile-based services as they will make these services more accommodating to people that may not be comfortable with a particular language.

New codes may bring universal appeal to marketing campaigns

In terms of marketing, the new ScanLife QR codes could give universal appeal to any marketing campaign. The codes could effectively remove any language barriers that exist between countries and cultures. This would make marketing campaigns able to connect with a wide range of consumers, many of whom may have been inaccessible in the past due to the ever present language barrier.

QR codes support 12 languages, more to come soon

Currently, 12 languages are recognized by the new ScanLife QR codes. When these codes are scanned, the language settings of a smart phone or other mobile device are detected. The content that is delivered to the consumer is then translated into the language they are comfortable with. Though the codes support 12 languages, the system is only able to translate 6 of these effectively. ScanLife is continually developing their platform to expand the capabilities of its language detecting QR codes.

QR codes continue to prove popular amongst businesses and consumers

According to a report from ScanLife released earlier this year, scans of QR codes have jump by 157% in the first quarter of 2012 over what they had been in the previous year. The company notes that the codes are becoming much more popular amongst both businesses and consumers because of their ability to provide quick access to digital content. The codes have yet to show any signs of losing the favor they have gained from either party.

Australian government launches inquiry into mobile commerce

| November 7, 2012

 

Mobile commerce subject to government investigation

The Australian government has launaustrailia mobile commerce government investigationched an inquiry concerning the experiences consumers are having with downloading applications and applications used to make purchases from mobile devices. Mobile commerce has been growing in popularity in Australia for some time. The country is serving as host to several mobile commerce initiatives, including those coming from the Commonwealth Bank, one of the largest financial groups in the country. The growing popularity of mobile commerce has created a sense of unease from the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council, however, which is concerned for the quality of service and security of consumer financial information.

Simplicity of mobile apps to be investigated

The government agency is to investigate the quality of mobile application downloads to determine whether they are more complicated than they need to be. Some consumers have been issuing complaints regarding the overly complicated nature of some mobile applications, claiming that they are confusing and, at times, misleading. While app downloads are a matter for investigation, the government is much more concerned with in-app purchases.

Consumers raise complaints over in-app purchases

Mobile payments are often a sensitive issue, especially in terms of security. While many consumers have shown interest in making payments through their mobile devices, this can be dangerous and puts their financial information at risk. In regards to in-app payments, the Commonwealth Consumers Affairs Advisory Council notes that consumers are experiencing a great deal of frustration from ramping costs that they cannot easily manage through certain applications. These applications could present a financial threat to some consumers.

Public consultation period to begin within weeks

Consumers and companies operating within the mobile commerce industry are being invited to share their input on the matter with the Australian government. The Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council will be opening up the inquiry for a public consultation period within the coming weeks, hoping to attain a more in-depth understanding of the problems consumers are having with mobile applications and mobile commerce in general.