ShopSavvy – iPhone App Review

ShopSavvy (Free)

Version – 1.1

REVIEW – “Check prices quickly and easily!”

You might remember a while ago that I reviewed an app called “RedLaser” which advertises that it has “Impossibly accurate barcode scanning.”   Well it might be a good app but it also costs $1.99, and so if you’re looking for a similar app but don’t want to spend the money you might want to check out ShopSavvy!  ShopSavvy is a totally free barcode scanner that will not only look up the item that you scan but check the internet for the best prices itcan find on that item.

I will say that the interface of this app is very sharp.  I really liked the textured gray background and the lighting effects in the menus.  At the bottom of the screen is a menu with buttons to take you to the scan screen, or to view your wish lists, price alerts and history.  In the far bottom right corner there is also a “More” button which just basically tells you about the app.

As with any app of this type, its usefulness is really going to hinge on its ability to accurately scan codes.  While it is not nearly as simple to scan barcodes in this app as it is in RedLaser, I did not have any noticeable problems as long as I did two things.  (1) make sure that you object that you are scanning the barcode off of is set down on something and won’t move at all, and (2) make sure you read the directions and line up the barcode properly as you scan it.

While it may take a second longer to scan an item with this app I really liked its interface for finding prices online and also finding local stores where the item is available.  If you are still deciding whether you want to buy it there are even “Reviews” available on most items for you to check out.

I must mention here that while this app is very nice visually and the internet product results are very good, I really did not like the sound that this app makes when it scans items.  Fortunately the annoying “beep” sound can be turned off or changed to a cash register ring that is not nearly as annoying.  Personally though, I much preferred just turning the sound off all together!

To sum it all up I would say that this app is definitely worth a shot for the wonderful price of FREE.  With that said, I did have a little trouble scanning items in and I have a 3GS with the autofocus camera.  If you have an iPhone 3G or 2G you will probably want to pass on this app unless you have some sort of case that helps your phone’s camera focus on things that are very close.  It is at least worth a shot though, so what are you waiting for?  Check it out in the App Store today!

- David H.

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Developer – Big in Japan

URL: http://www.biggu.com/apps/shopsavvy-iphone/

DEVELOPERS NOTES

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© 2009, Davidh. All rights reserved.