If you have a BlackBerry, then you may have noticed a new option for BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). Users can now add contacts by scanning compatible barcodes with the latest version of BBM. In order to kick-off this new feature, Research in Motion (RIM) has been doing some stellar promotions.

Recently, at a Wham Bam concert in Toronto, RIM posted various signs with QR codes (like the one pictured), all offering different rewards such as sunblock, cell phone batteries, a VIP pass and even front row seats! Once the QR code was scanned, RIM staff would add you as a contact and message you, describing the prize and clues on where to find them.

It’s great to hear of a mobile phone company like RIM embracing QR codes, and actually offering good incentives. Next time you see a BBM QR code, you may just want to give it a scan!

The Zebra R110Xi is a 4” RFID printer that offers a lot of flexibility for on-demand printing. Features such as XML, automatic calibration, flexible inlay positioning, multiple power levels, statistics tracking and easy RFID programming all come standard with the R110Xi. In addition, the Zebra R110Xi RFID printer features:

ThingMagic UHF RFID Reader & Encoder
• RFID calibration feature with automatic program position selection
• Sophisticated label tracking
• Multiple RFID power settings
• XML-enabled printing

To learn more about the Zebra R110Xi RFID printer, download the specification sheet.

The VAR 500 award is given to leading organizations of technology solutions in North America. The list, which is based on gross revenue of hardware, software, and IT services, ranked Barcoding Inc. as number 452 in the 16th annual ranking. This year’s ranking was higher than last year’s, and also reflects 182 new companies.

Jay Steinmetz, President of Barcoding Inc. stated, “The VAR 500 is a prestigious honor, listing the most innovative businesses and companies in North America. Placing in the VAR 500 for the second-straight year, and moving up in rank, reflects Barcoding’s commitment to providing our customers with the latest in automated data capture, barcoding, RFID and wireless technology solutions.”

Barcoding Inc. is honored to be a part of such a prestigious list and hopes to continue bettering our rank. Learn more about the VAR 500 list here.

With mobile barcodes and rfid technology becoming more and more prevalent, barcodes and RFID have been taking the media by storm! Take a look at what’s been going on in the world of barcodes and RFID recently:

Tagbook: The first social tagging app for Microsoft Tag.

RFID at the Car Wash: A Toronto company is using RFID technology to simplify the car was process.

Barcoded Marijuana: As marijuana begins to become legalized in some states, there’s a need for barcodes.

QR Codes in the Library: QR codes are changing the way libraries work!

RFID on CSI: A recent episode of CSI:NY may not have portrayed RFID accurately.

Stickybits Barcode: See the world’s largest Stickybit!

To get all the latest barcode news all the time, check out our Facebook page.

If you thought the CueCat was a thing of the past, then think again. The Mac Museum recently put together a barcode scanner for the iPad by using a CueCat and a camera connection kit. The plug-n-play solution reads barcodes with the CueCat and then creates keyboard shortcuts in order to type out the codes as they are read. Watch the video below to see the iPad and CueCat in action: