Barcode Reader (Free)
Version – 1.0
REVIEW – “The fast and free way to save money!”
There have been many apps that have claimed to have the ability to read barcodes, and very few that have actually been able to do it effectively, especially for free. Until recently I had only really used one or two apps that have been able to
scan barcodes with any accuracy. While Barcode Reader by SHAPE Services has just come out, I am very impressed with what it has to offer in its initial release!
The look and feel of Barcode Reader is good. The main men u screen is what looks like a barcode above several menu items. Your options are to scan a barcode, view a “Product List,” or find out more “About” the app. Touching the “About” button will take you to another menu screen with several options such as a FAQ area, Support, and information on other products developed by SHAPE Services!
But since this app is designed to scan barcodes
you will probably want to just get right to it. The app opens quite quickly and once you touch the “Scan Barcode” button you will be taken to what looks a lot like the camera app, except there is no button to take a picture. From here all you have to do is line up the barcode you want to scan in the middle of the screen. Once you do the barcode will scan and then you will be shown a list of possible matches for that barcode number based on a search of the internet
If you have difficulty scanning the barcode that you are interested you might want to know that you don’t actually want to have the barcode take up too much of the screen. You actually want a small margin on the left and right side around the code. Unfortunately one of the things that is missing in this app is some sort of “guide” on the scanning screen to let
you know when you are lined up properly. Once I got the hang of it though, it is one of the most accurate scanning engines that I have used on a paid or unpaid app!
While the barcode scanner itself is extremely accurate, unfortunately I cannot say the same for the internet barcode search. This is something that I am sure will improve with time but is definitely the main weakness of this app at the current time. While sometimes a barcode will turn up items and prices from several different websites using a barcode serach, there were several times that searches brought up a totally unrelated item for some reason.
All of that said, for a free app this one is good, but it does have some issues. I can honestly only see this app getting better as its internet database is improved. SHAPE Services also has several other productivity apps that I am very fond of and so I fully expect this app to not only improve but become one of the apps to beat in this category. If you have been looking for a good barcode scanner for free, then you should definitely give this one a try. Download it today!
- David H.
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Developer – SHAPE Services
URL: http://www.shapeservices.com/en/index.php
DEVELOPERS NOTES
Works on iPhone 3GS. If you have previous iPhone models you may need additional gadgets to improve photo quality.
Make your shopping smarter. Use Barcode Reader to compare prices, find more details about the product or save search results for future.
Just take a photo of any printed barcode and this app will show the lowest possible prices from the thousands of retailers online.
You may Save the search results or Email them for yourself for further shopping.
Want your parents or friend to buy you something? Send a wish list to them!
Supports UPC, EAN-13 and EAN-8 (almost all commercial barcodes).
Added Value: In a built-in browser you may read more about a product on a seller’s website without leaving the Barcode Reader app.
=== Compatibility Notes ===
- No special equipment is required for using the app on iPhone 3GS since its camera allows to take photo of good enough quality.
- If you are using iPhone 2G or 3G, you may need additional gadgets to improve photo quality, such as Griffin Clarifi.
About SHAPE Services
SHAPE Services is a leading mobile apps development company. Since 2002, IM+ and other SHAPE’s apps are recognized bestsellers on all mobile platforms. For more information please visit www.shapeservices.com
See other apps: IM+, IM+ for Skype, Business Card Reader, VR+, RDM+, Mobiscope and GPSed.
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