Scan delivers 25 million copies of its software
Despite reports that QR codes are unpopular amongst consumers and are diminishing in popularity, Scan, leading barcode scanner makers, has announced that its scanning application of the same name have been downloaded 25 million times. The company is now offering version 2.0 of its software, which provides a number of new features that are meant to make consumers more interested in scanning QR codes and other barcodes. As in previous versions of the software, Scan touts simplicity as the best way to provide service to consumers.
Software allows consumers to scan various types of barcodes
The new version of Scan is simple to use; users only need to point their mobile device at a QR code or other barcode and the application will do the rest of the work. The scanner recognizes QR, UPC, EAN, and ISBN codes and is available for the iPad Mini and the iPhone 5. The software can even make use of a device’s flash to allow its camera to scan codes in the dark.
Platform can help businesses keep track of QR codes
Scan has been growing steadily for more than a year. The company was founded in 2011 and was able to raise more than $1.7 million in financing earlier this year. Scan provides numerous services based on QR codes, such as code generation for websites, business cards, and billboards. Businesses can use the Scan platform to keep track of the performance of the QR codes they use, allowing them to tweak the reach of their marketing campaigns to better suit the demographic that is using their codes the most.
QR codes growing in popularity as mobile commerce devices
Scan notes that it processes more than 27 million codes every month. This suggests that QR codes are much more popular than some might believe. The codes have been gaining momentum as a mobile commerce tool, which may be part of the reason why they have been seeing more use in recent months. Retailers, in particular, are showing interest in QR codes because of their potential use as a sales mechanism for mobile consumers.
Denny |
November 26, 2012
American Express sets sights on Television commerce
American Express has been showing a great deal of interest in mobile commerce recently, as have many other financial service companies around the world. Mobile commerce has been targeted as a promising way to spark economic activity in the retail industry as it provides more consumers with the ability to make purchases from wherever they are in the world. American Express has announced a line-up of partnerships with several media companies to explore a new realm of mobile commerce that is being called “Television commerce.”
New commerce venture aims to boost mobile shopping through TV shows
Television commerce is a relatively simple, though never before attempted concept. Essentially, consumers will be able to shop for products in real time while watching the TV shows they enjoy, without having to miss these shows in any way. Television commerce holds particular promise because it would allow for consumers to be engaged in a wide variety of promotions, such as being giving the chance to purchase an outfit they saw on one of their favorite TV shows.
American Express teams with FOX for new venture
American Express has teams with Fox Broadcasting Company to initiate Television commerce. The two companies have developed a new suite of mobile applications called FOX NOW that allow consumers to browse products found on FOX TV shows using their iPad. American Express customers with eligible cards will receive $35 credit if they purchase a featured product on FOX’s “New Girl” show. The partnership between the two companies will extend into 2013.
Television commerce may be a success if it can overcome challenges
Television commerce is a new venture and presents a variety of risks. Consumers may not be inclined to participate in Television commerce regularly if they are not offered significant deals, thus rendering the venture a modest success. There is a possibility that Television commerce could become a breakaway sensation, however, which could spark the developing of new T-commerce initiatives that aim to engage consumers thorough their favorite TV shows.
