AT&T Offers Free Barcode Reader

QR Code

AT&T Monday unveiled a new barcode reader application called Code Scanner allowing subscribers to scan 2D codes and UPC codes found in magazines and stores as well as online.

To the extent AT&T users download the free app geared to Android and BlackBerry phones, it could help broaden consumer adoption of 2D codes, increasingly popping up in print, outdoor and Internet advertising.

The carrier also launched Create-A-Code, a service that lets anyone create their own personalized mobile barcodes to direct contacts to a v-card, Facebook account, personal blog or recommended Web site. AT&T further announced a code management platform, providing businesses with the tools to create, manage and measure their barcode campaigns.

Earlier this year, AT&T started a 2D barcode charter program to educate customers about the marketing and advertising potential in 2D barcodes. AT&T said it's working with participating companies to test consumer response rates as well as the effectiveness of 2D codes, also known as QR codes, as an interactive marketing vehicle.

Companies such as JagTag create barcodes on behalf of marketers already designed to work on most handsets without requiring any download, special signup or Internet access by the consumer. But AT&T obviously wants to get directly involved in promoting use of barcodes to benefit from increased mobile data usage by customers who may flow from them.

While no iPhone version of the Code Scanner app was included at launch, AT&T said it will be offered on other smartphones in the "near future."

2 comments about "AT&T Offers Free Barcode Reader".
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  1. Clinton Gallagher, August 4, 2010 at 10:43 a.m.

    With a cautious eye knowing how dangerous it has been to continue to support these globalized corporations AT&T is clearly releasing this barcoding app and development platform as a means to support their intention to compete with MasterCard and Visa as recent announced by Bloomberg http://bit.ly/bLCjEl Still, we can only hope this venture will support micropayments with billing provided by the mobile device service providers which will further shame the punk in the White House by making it possible for real stimulus to occur.

  2. Clinton Gallagher, August 4, 2010 at 10:56 a.m.

    Whoa Nellie. I just read the AT&T Create-A-Code usage agreement and these AT&T slimesters do not permit their barcode generator to be used by anybody in business. So much for my earlier comments as I suspected: yet more scum-to-come from these globalized anti-American fascists undermining our American way of life. Why doesn't the FCC suspend and if neccessary rescind the license granted to these fascists AS THEIR LICENSE IS A PRIVLEGE which is clearly being abused when they cripple the use of those natural resources which the FCC is by law mandated to manage IN BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC TRUST. America needs Judge Harold H. Green all over again.

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