Sabritas, Frito Lay’s Mexican brand is now using 2D barcodes called EZcodes on their packaging for snacks and chips. The EZcodes will be placed on limited edition Halloween packages for Cheetos that link to promotional content such as free mobile wallpapers. People in Mexico will be avle to scan the code using an application from Scanbuy called Códigos Ideas, commonly used with Telcel headsets, the leading wireless operator in Mexico.

Sabritas has also placed an explanation of how to download and use the application on the back of the package. Once downloaded, the application can automatically launch a specific mobile website, deliver downloadable content, and more. Aside from the EZcodes, the application can also read other major 2D barcodes such as Datamatrix and QR codes. EZcode was chosen because it is compatible with a wider variety of camera phones.

Códigos Ideas is now available to millions people throughout Mexico and they expect people to take full advantage of their concept. Businesses can also use a Code Management Platform to create and track 2D barcode campaigns, which I’m sure Frito Lay will take full advantage of.

With November soon approaching, there are plenty of ADC tradeshows to look forward to, many of which top vendors, such as Intermec Technologies, will be present.

Wireless Sensor Networks & RTLS Summit
When: Tuesday, November 3 2009 – Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Where: Denver, CO
Description: Reflecting the development of wireless sensors, using both traditional RFID-based technology and new mesh network-based technology, this event will explore wireless locating and sensing.
Target Industries: Commercial businesses in the locating and sensing industries.

Learn more here.

Logistica Exhibition

When: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 – Saturday, November 14, 2009
Where: Utrecht, Netherlands
Description: Intermec will join Phi Data to exhibit the latest in mobile computing and barcode technologies.
Target Industries: Logistics

Logitrans
When: Monday, November 16, 2009 – Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Where: Feria de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Description: See Intermec and learn how mobile computing and bar code data collection can help you increase visibility and productivity.
Target Industries: Logistics

Learn more here.

Global Gaming Expo
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – Thursday, November 19, 2009
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Description: Intermec will be on hand to show case the lastest portable printer, mobile computers and bar code solutions that enable gaming companies to have increased visibility and productivity.
Target Industries: Gaming

Learn more here.

While many travelers do extensive research on their destination before their trip via the web, they also still use tourism books and guides, especially when traveling abroad.

A new travel book is now using QR codes to help readers connect with various locations around the globe. Earthbound: A Rough Guide to the World in Pictures contains photographs from all around the world, each with their own QR code linking to the location of what’s pictured in the photo via Google Maps. Once at Google Maps, its easy to see a satellite view of the image and bookmark the locations so that if you are ever in the area, your phone can give you directions to visit the spot.

Adding QR codes to guidebooks is a big step for the QR code, which in the US, has been slow to adopt. It would be great if travel guides such as Fromers could incorporate them into their books, since many people constantly carry it when traveling. Rather than typing in the number for that historic café in Paris, it’d be much more convenient to simply scan a code and have the information automatically be at your fingertips. In addition, rather than carrying the book with you all day, travelers could simply scan the codes of all the places that they wanted to visit, being able to bring up the information while also having access to directions.

QR codes are the perfect medium to bridge the gap between web and print, and many argue, are the print industry’s’ saving grace.

A new long-range RFID reader has recently been released by Daily RFID, allowing for a long read range of almost 40 inches. The 125KHZ RFID Reader, coined the ideaReader, is best suited for access control applications, producing a robust solution that provides a long read range and full-range interface options. There’s even an additional level of access control system security through a verification process at the reader.

The ideaReader has a Two-LED signal lamp indication for standby search and data communications for easy use. In addition, it provides a high degree of anti-damage resistance for reliable performance, thus enabling it to withstand harsh environments. It also offers near-perfect read rates in a wide range of FL applications such as access control, process control, personal identification, hands-free logistics and employee attendance tracking.

With Daylight Savings Time (DST) soon approaching, you may be wondering how it will affect your mobile device, or not. As of August 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, changing the start and end dates of DST in 2007 and subsequent years. DST now begins at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March, making it three weeks earlier than years prior to 2007. In addition, DST will end at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in November, making it one week later.

While this affects the US, Canada has also elected to match these dates. Mexico, however, stuck with the old dates, which may cause a problem on older mobile devices, since time zones may be defined as (GMT-08:00 Pacific Time (US & Canada) Tijuana. Therefore, in newer devices three new time zones are created to allow each country to use their own DST definitions.

If you want to know how your mobile device will be affected, or if you will need to download an update, learn more here.