Bluefly, an online store that carries designer brands at a discount, has recently launched a QR code campaign using Scanbuy for their Closet Confessions advertising campaign.

Their campaign launched with the Bravo station, with 45 second spots that feature celebrities giving tours of their closets. The ScanLife QR codes appear on ads and once scanned, viewers gain instant access to more content, or a $30 off coupon. I’d say that’s a pretty big incentive to scan a QR code, wouldn’t you?

More and more companies are using QR codes for their print advertising, Bluefly is the first US retailer that has used them on television. While Bluefly may be the first, they certainly won’t be the last. QR codes have already impacted print advertising so much, even in the US, it will be interesting to see how many more companies adopt them for television campaigns.

Do you think QR codes are better for print or television advertising? What additional possibilities do you see for QR codes on TV? Let us know by commenting here, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

The new Psion Teklogix Omnii XT10 is a rugged handheld computer that easily adapts to mobile computing needs in supply chain and logistics environments.

The Omnii XT10 offers a modular solution, providing flexibility in a versatile platform for a wide variety of applications, environments and people. In fact, there are dozens of options and expansion modules that can create over then thousand final configurations. In addition, the Omnii XT10 features:

• Texas Instruments OMAP3 processor
• IP65 raatings
• 5000 mAh battery
• multiple field replaceable keyboard choices
• PsionVU Shell

For more information on the Psion Teklogix Omnii XT10, download the specification sheet.

For more information on Psion Teklogix and what they can do for you, learn more here.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has recently implemented a barcode-based system that will allow passengers to use 2D barcodes for the check-in process. A few years back, we discussed how Continental Airlines implemented a similar system. Now, 2D barcode verification systems are the new standard in air travel, and it has even been adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Using a 2D barcode system would decrease the amount of traffic at check-in desks and provide real-time monitoring of which passengers have already checked in, providing a simpler process for airlines and more flexibility for travelers.

As more and more airlines adopt 2D barcodes, I wonder how long it will take before they are more commonplace than check-in desks. If you’ve traveled recently, did you use 2D barcodes to check-in… if not, was it an option?

Let us know by commenting here, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Back in 2008, we discussed the Barcode of Life Initiative, in which scientists wanted to use some sort of handheld barcode reader that would be able to read a segment of a specimen’s DNA in order to identify the specie.

Today, the DNA Barcode Library has opened in Toronto, Canada. Nearly 80,000 species are represented in the Library and ultimately, the plan is to have a digital ID system for all life on the planet. DNA barcoding allows a future where anyone can easily access the names and biological attributes of every species on earth.
In addition, DNA barcoding will play a key role in the conservation of endangered species, and also monitor species that are harmful to humans.

Although its been a couple of years since we first started discussing the Barcode of Life Initiative, the project actually started in 2003 and its predicted that by 2015, there will be more than five million specimens entered into the DNA library.

Once a handheld barcode reader is available to examine tissue samples and is connected with the database, scientists foresee endless possibilities. Let us know how you think the DNA Barcode Library should/could be used by commenting here, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

If you don’t have an iPhone, than you may not have heard of the MyTown app, but with a user-base of over 3.1 million that is still growing, it’s hard not to take notice the app’s success, no matter what kind of phone you have.

MyTown uses GPS capabilities in order to allow users to check-in to real-world locations in order to unlock rewards. Similar to the classic game of Monopoly, users can become “owner” of their real-life favorite places and even check collect “rent” when other users check in. The more check-ins your shop has, the higher value and rent there is. With its latest update, MyTown users can earn points and real-world rewards by scanning the barcode of a product.

From a developers standpoint, the barcode feature of the app allows for greater information on the geo-location of the user, and from a consumers standpoint, it allows greater access to coupons for the products and places that most interest you. Basically, it’s complete personalization for the consumer, which is every marketer’s dream.

While there are some similar apps, none on the market have gained as many users as MyTown. It will be interesting to see what happens with newer apps such as Barcode Hero, but it seems as though the combination of geo-location, barcodes, and checking in for rewards are all popular types of apps that will change the way consumers shop and businesses market.