Barcode + Smartphone = Comparison Shopping Weapon + Instant Contact Sharing

I downloaded an Android app earlier (Barcode Scanner by Zebra Crossing) that scans product barcodes using the phone’s camera.  If you bring your phone to a store, you can scan the items and it will instantly search the web for better prices elsewhere.  This technology has been around for a while, but as smartphones become more commonplace this will become an indespensable tool for comparison shoppers.

This app also lets you scan 2D barcodes. These are starting to pop up on billboards and print ads. People who are viewing the ads can then take a picture of the barcode with their smartphone (iPhone also has an app for this) and be immediately whisked away to the company website.

You can also use these barcodes to share information with others. This site generates a custom 2D barcode that you can use to encode your contact info, a web link, etc. You can then put in your email signature or paper correspondence so that people can instantly import your contact info into their devices.