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ScanLife and Mobile Barcodes

General Information

  1. What is the difference between standard 1D Barcodes (UPC) and 2D Barcodes?

    1D Barcodes (UPC) are linear black and white groupings that have mainly been used by retailers with a single sweep of a laser scanner. 1D Barcodes are found on most product packaging and have been in use for more than 30 years. 2D Barcodes are an array of small black squares arranged in a pattern to store more complex information. 2D Barcodes can be more easily read by most standard camera phones.

    1D barcode (UPC) sample

    1D barcode (UPC) sample
    1D Barcode (UPC) Sample Scanlife EZCode 2D Barcode Sample

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  2. Why is Verizon Wireless using 2D Barcodes for user-generated Barcodes rather than 1D Barcodes?

    Verizon Wireless will primarily use 2D Barcodes over 1D Barcodes because they are easier for the cameras in our handsets to read. 2D Barcodes can store considerably more information than 1D Barcodes. Additionally, our advertiser customers can more easily use 2D barcodes in any printed media like magazine ads, direct mail, and more. However, some of our handsets with auto-focus cameras can read 1D barcodes, as well as 2D barcodes, in order to allow the scanning of UPC codes on millions of existing products.

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  3. How does ScanLife work?

    A typical Barcode scan consists of the following steps:

    1. The Barcode is scanned by the handset using the ScanLife application.
    2. The Barcode ID is decoded on the phone and the specific instructions are sent back to the ScanLife application on the handset for appropriate action (e.g. launch a specific URL).
    3. The ScanLife application passes the URL to the handset browser in order to display the webpage on the handset (or launches another action like dial phone number or display contact information).

    Scanlife barcode

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  4. Do I have to pay to use the Mobile Barcode application?

    The application is free to download and use, but you will be charged for data usage depending upon your mobile broadband plan. Each time a code is scanned, a few hundred bytes of information for the 2D Barcode ID lookup is sent back to the phone. Any subsequent data usage for the associated action after the scan will also be charged depending on your mobile broadband plan (e.g., mobile web usage to launch a URL).

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  5. What are the uses of Mobile Barcodes?

    There are many uses of 2D and 1D barcodes (please note that not all uses are available on all handsets). Some of the primary uses include:

    1. Web link – The user scans a barcode with an associated URL, the browser on the handset displays the information from the webpage
    2. Contact info – Scan a 2D code on a business card, to view the business card owners contact information with the option to save the information to the local address book
    3. Downloading content –Scan a 2D code in a magazine advertising a new ringtone, the ringtone app is started and the buy page for the specific ringtone is presented
    4. Downloading apps – Scan a 2D code on a poster advertising a new mobile game, the user is taken to the buy page on the application deck for the new mobile game
    5. Scan to call – Scan a 2D code on a poster for a hotel, the handset presents the phone number for the hotel with the option to dial in order to make a reservation.
    6. Comparison pricing – Scan a regular UPC barcode from a product, such as an MP3 player, and receive pricing information from multiple retailers.

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  6. What is required in order to read a Barcode?

    A mobile handset with a camera, an internet connection, and the ScanLife application that allows the handset to work as a Barcode scanner are required to read a Barcode. For 1D, the user will likely need an auto-focus camera (available on new Android™ and BlackBerry® devices for example). To see if your phone is supported, go to "www.getscanlife.com" on your mobile device.

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  7. How do I scan a Barcode?

    Using the ScanLife application on the handset, simply center the camera over the Barcode to scan automatically or snap a picture of the code. (BlackBerry® devices only). The Barcode is decoded and the information is sent back to the ScanLife application for appropriate action. This entire process should take anywhere from 2-10 seconds depending on data connection and device. Refer to the video on the ScanLife website for more information.

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  8. What is the full lifecycle of a 2D Barcode?

    There are four stages in the lifecycle of a 2D Barcode:

    1. Generate - 2D Barcode is self-generated at the ScanLife website
    2. Publish - Code is downloaded and published on any physical media
    3. Scan - User scans barcode using ScanLife application on Verizon Wireless handset
    4. Deliver - Content or information is delivered automatically to the users phone

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  9. What types of materials can 2D Barcodes be displayed on?

    The types of materials that 2D barcodes can be displayed on include newspapers, magazines, flyers, posters, signs, billboards, digital signs, Internet web pages, and TV screens.

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  10. What is the benefit of Mobile Barcodes?

    Mobile Barcodes link the physical world to the digital in a way that is extremely easy to use. There is no need to search for information by typing in keywords or long URLs – just scan a code and the specific content is launched automatically. The code can give you coupon offers, product information, contact details, price comparisons, and much more.

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  11. What should I do if I can’t get the barcode to scan with ScanLife?

    There are a few things that you should try if the app is not scanning properly:

    1. Confirm that you are trying to scan a supported code format.
    2. Ensure that the code is centered in the screen and there is ample space around the code.
    3. Confirm that the code is at least 3/4” wide for a 2D code and at least 1” wide for a 1D code.
    4. Check that the code is well lit, without significant shadow cover.
    5. Ensure that your flash is not making the code illegible.
    6. See if the phone you are using may not be able to scan UPC codes (only cameras with auto-focus).
    7. The phone you are using may require that you “snap” a photo of the code if it does not scan automatically (like a BlackBerry®).

    If you still need help, please email support@scanlife.com.

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  12. Will my personal information be shared by using ScanLife?

    ScanLife does not share personal information, like your phone number or email address, with anyone unless you specifically provide it after you have scanned a code. The app may ask you to complete a short, one-time survey to help improve the service and keep it free for you. This information will not be used to send unwanted SPAM or marketing material.

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ScanLife

  1. What is the ScanLife Application?

    ScanLife is a mobile application that converts your camera phone into an all-in-one barcode scanner. This allows you to scan different types of barcodes to quickly view information without needing to search or type long URL’s.

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  2. What phone models are compatible with the ScanLife 2D Barcode application?

    The following is a partial list of compatible Verizon Wireless handsets. Please refer to the ScanLife download page to see if your phone is currently compatible.

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  3. How do I download the ScanLife device to my handset?

    It depends on the type of phone.

    To download ScanLife for most Smartphones:

    1. Go to "www.getscanlife.com" on your handset's mobile browser.
    2. Download the application.

    To download ScanLife for most standard basic phones:
    1. Go to "Media Center."
    2. Select "Browse & Download."
    3. Select "Get New Applications."
    4. Find the ScanLife Application and download it.

    In either case, it is important to verify prior to download that the application is available for the specific handset (see FAQ above).

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  4. Where is the ScanLife application located on my handset after download?

    ScanLife typically is located in the folder on the phone where other applications are kept. This differs by phone, but on Smartphones it may be located in "My Stuff" or "Applications." On standard basic phones, it may be located within "Media Center" in "Browse & Download."

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  5. What type of barcodes can I read with the ScanLife application?

    You can read the following types of barcodes with the ScanLife application:

    EZ Code Datamatrix code
    EZ code
    		 Datamatrix code
     

    QR code

    		 UPC code (on some handsets)
    QR code UPC code (on some handsets)

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  6. Can I create my own 2D Barcode?

    Yes. Visit the ScanLife website from your personal computer and create your own free personal barcode. Once it is created, you can associate it with your contact info (for use on a business card), your Facebook URL (for use on a T-shirt to meet new friends), and … use your own imagination! Businesses, small or large, can create codes for commercial use. Place a code in an ad, on a billboard, on your packaging, to immediately connect consumers to more information about your product or service. Pricing varies based on your individual needs, but you can register at the ScanLife website.

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