Barcode scanning is a feature that has been integrated on the iPhone. And now, it seems that compatibility this will be broadened with the new software Library from Vision Smarts, catering to practically all models of iPhones released in the market. From here on any iPhone will be able to read barcodes from live video, much like a checkout scanner. It will be featured in the upcoming version of the popular pic2shop app.

The library is currently available for the Apple iPhone, and will soon be compatible with other platforms. The new version of the pic2shop app features the latest “live” scanning technology. Like the previous versions, it will be free and released later this month.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, Apple iPhone, barcodes, Cell Phones, checkout, compatibility, iPhone, iphones, Mobile Software, models, new software, platforms, previous versions, scanner, scanning technology, software library

New Apple patents reveal new and interesting applications are ready for the iPhone. The patents reveal features like object identification, face recognition and a couple of messaging tweaks. Anxious to see any of these on your future iPhone? Well let’s check them out now!

The iPhone will be capable of recognizing certain objects and scan various bar codes or RFID tags and then offer you more information about said objects.

Facial recognition is one more important feature. How will the iPhone use it? Well it looks like the handset will know what person is using the phone and thus you can actually control who can access certain applications and functions on the phone.

The message filtering patent application shows you how you will be able to control and filter various messaging systems. That will be especially useful for controlling your children that convinced you to buy them an iPhone. Here’s how it would work:

Control application includes an instructional tool or study aid where the administrator sets one or more modes, such as language, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation and/or other content of a text-based communication based on, for example, a user’s age or grade level. This can be especially useful, for example, such as when a child’s grades go down. A parent can then institute a condition to improve a child’s grades. For example, the control application may require a user during specified time periods to send messages in a designated foreign language, to include certain designated vocabulary words, or to use proper designated spelling, designated grammar and designated punctuation and like designated language forms based on the user’s defined skill level and/or designated language skill rating. If the text-based communication fails to include the required language or format, the control application may alert the user and/or the administrator/parent of the absence of such text.

Status reports are also coming to the iPhone and a new feature will show you any missed messages, emails or voicemails from one of your contacts before you send a new message to a said contact. And since we did mention voicemail, a new voice-related feature will let you change voice output. That means you can actually hear yourself narrate stuff for you!

When will Apple roll all these features out? Nothing official just yet! We have only got the patents!

via uspto

Tags: Apple, Apple, barcodes, face recognition, iPhone, messaging, Mobile News, Mobile Software, object identification, patent, RFID, voice

People who purchase the new Samsung Exclaim may be surprised to note that they will get something extra as Scanbuy has added its ScanLife 2D barcode app, making the Samsung Exclaim the first mobile device to be shipped with ScanLife technology in the U.S.

ScanLife allows users to scan 2D (two-dimensional) barcodes with a standard camera phone to automatically display a specific mobile Web site, launch a video, and more. A user can then view and share that information through social networking communities; Samsung Exclaim will also feature social networking applications such as Facebook and MySpace.

“This is an enormous milestone for the development and adoption of mobile barcode technology in the United States,” said Jonathan Bulkeley, chief executive officer of Scanbuy. “The demand for this technology by users and publishers has been growing rapidly, and placing the ScanLife application into new phones will make the experience easier than ever.”

(Source) Press

Tags: 2d barcode, barcode technology, barcodes, Facebook, mobile device, Mobile Software, mobile web, networking applications, Samsung, Samsung, social networking, Sprint

The rugged market just got another device in its fold as Handheld Europe has announced the all-new Nautiz X5 Rugged PDA at CeBit in Hannover. The full-featured PDA comes with an impressive 806 Mhz processor and an array of advanced features such as integrated 3 mega-pixel camera with autofocus capabilities, integrated barcode scanner, WLAN, Bluetooth, 3G cellular capabilities, and GPS with InstantFix II. The Nautiz X5 weighs only 410 grams, is IP65 rated and can also handle extreme temperatures and multiple drops from 1.8 m.

The Nautiz X5 comes standard with 256 MB RAM and 512 MB built-in Flash storage. The long-life 4400 MAh Li-ion battery provides more than all day performance, is rechargeable and hot-swappable. The Nautiz X5 also has a microSD slot for memory expansion. The transflective full VGA color display and touch screen provide sharp and clear resolution even while working outdoors.

The integrated 3 mega-pixel camera comes with autofocus capabilities and LED Flash - a combination not usually seen in this type of device. And the integrated SiRF star III GPS chip with InstantFix II provides near instantaneous position computation for navigation or gathering location-based information. The integrated high quality laser scanner reads all common barcodes and a 2-D imager is available as an option.

(Source) Press

Tags: 256 mb ram, barcodes, extreme temperatures, flash storage, laser scanner, li ion battery, memory expansion, Portable Devices, quality laser, rugged pda, sirf star iii, sirf star iii gps, touch screen, vga color