Scanbuy’s 2D Barcode Application pre-loaded on camera phones from LG

The mobile barcode provider Scanbuy will have its 2D barcode reader pre-downloaded on LG camera phones. The first device with the Scanbuy application is the LG KF310 and is available in Spain.

From the press release:
 “We are thrilled to announce this agreement with LGE.  Their support will substantially assist in bringing 2D barcode technology to mobile subscribers around the world,” said Jonathan Bulkeley, Chief Executive Officer of Scanbuy. “Mobile data usage is increasing exponentially every day, and the ScanLife solution will make it easier than ever to discover and navigate to content from anywhere.”

 
LG’s Mobile Communications Company is the third largest phone manufacturer in the world, shipping just over 100 million handsets in 2008. 

What we think?

Firstly, huge thanks to Scanbuy’s VP Marketing David Javitch for reaching out and sending me this press release.  This is good news for Scanbuy as getting on the mobile device is always half the battle.

But, it is not all the battle.

The problem is that whilst it is great to be on a mobile device – where the application is placed on a pre-loaded device is the bigger battle. For example, I was embarrassed at how long it took me to find the mobile barcode scanner on my Nokia E71. I had presumed (wrongly) it would have been pre-loaded in the application section.
Anyway, getting on the device is good –but placement on the device in an easy to find area is even more important. I personally think that marketing to consumer directly for instant download of readers in the application section is the best form of mobile barcode reader marketing.
Why?
Simply because users know what they want and know what they are getting and it’s pro-active. Just finding a reader on the device needs education and I am not sure how users are being educated to features such as this Scanbuy Reader.
I will ask Scanbuy where there application is placed on the device and if they have a screen shot or educational material that comes with the phone explaining what the reader does. This would be great to see and will answer questions about education and the reader.

 
But in short. This is good news for Scanbuy – but more devices are necessary from LG and (Samsung earlier announcement) for this to make an impact in the market. Starting in Spain is a good move as Spain is a pro-active market for mobile barcodes with Telefonica taking ambitious early steps.