JAGTAG, "Request 2 Get" flows with barcodes

JAGTAG is a proprietery 2D barcode symbology that offers pretty much the same functionality as the other 2D symbologies. The main selling point emphasized here is that you do not need a scanner ( or reader) application installed on your phone. The system works through the MMS ( email for Iphone) model where the end user simply has to snap a picture and MMS it to 524824. Iphone users can email their code image to iphone@jagtag.net.  This is similar to the model used by Mobot and some other companies.

I tried the service out with Shabbir's Iphone and it was pretty good. Took a picture of the JAGTAG in low lighting and sent out the email, I had the response back via email (image on the side)  in under 2 minutes. The only peeve about the service, I got back the email with a Quicktime video file that I couldnt play on the Iphone. Not a very good user experience but I guess that just depends on the content provider and is not necessarily a reflection of the service. 

Some issues that JAGTAG would have to solve if they want to really make it a viable solution (if they havent already solved them):

1. Latency issues, MMS and the subsequesnt SMS back can run into latency issues. I bet the actual time that the JAGTAG server takes to decode the image and act on it is in milliseconds but the time taken to send an MMS can lead to a bad user experience
   
2. Success Ratio: The end user needs some training in how to take the image so that the complete barcode is in the picture and size of the barcode modules ( black dots) is large enough for the server algorithm to decipher.

I am currently not sure how a regular user will be able to create JAGTAG codes, would definitely love to add one to the side bar. 

Orkut goes Mobile: SMS a Scrap

Just got this off Google's blog:

"orkut SMS will become available to orkut members in Brazil who use Claro as their mobile service provider."
"So next time you want to scrap your friend Sergio about a party, just text message orkut with "scrap Sergio it's party time man!"

Users in Brazil using the Claro service will now be the first to try out Orkut through SMS. If it works there, then the rest of us mortal soles will get to use it too.

Was checking out another application from GetJar yesterday that launched the browser and used the tinyURL service to open the orkut WAP page. SMS is a nice step but i would love to see a WAP site come up for Orkut. hmmm... this gives me ideas...

Note to self: Find out if Orkut has a developer API?

Official Google Blog: SMS on orkut

WishRadar

Came across this from Lifehacker. Pretty neat service for people who actively manage wish lists. I dont... so really cannot appreciate the value. The thing that got me interested is the use of SMS to get prices.

All in all the wish list synchronization feature seems to work pretty well, atleast they good reviews over the web. Might be a site to look at in the future.

Loved the About section on their website.


Almost every website these days has a mobile presence. SMS implementations are everywhere and the bigger ones also have WAP sites... I wonder how many people are actually using the SMS service on these sites? Why would I wait for minute to get minimal info? hmmm... need to think on this.

"TEXT ME!" Web Widget

Heard about this from a friend of mine.Pretty Cool toy.
I am adding this to the sidebar of my blog. Use it to send me an SMS when you cannot reach me.

Check it out:4INFO Mobile Search - Free SMS Search, Fast Mobile Internet Search

[SMS] Comparison Shopping: Smarter Price Check

Text comparison shopping is becoming popular. A lot of the regular comparison shopping sites have taken cues from the Google SMS service and have launched their own service for providing Prices by SMS.

I came across Smarter.com today and played around with their SMS service. Works quiet well for electronics and similar stuff. All the user has to do is a be a bit specific in his search. The service works best when you provide the Manufacturer name and SKU Number, Providing a partial product name and SKU or Model number gives accurate results too. Needless to say, their SMS number is now in my phone book.

Try it yourself: Text the Product Name + Model Number of any product to the number 610-7627837 and you will get an SMS back with the best price. To find the Model number etc.. try looking on the sides of the box
I searched for "Win TV 1033" and got back the exact prodcut with the pricing available at Smarter.com. I am so glad that I did not over pay and got it cheaper to SCANBUY ;-) earlier. I did try entering the UPC but that did not give me any results at all, but who's complaining :-).

Taking on Google SMS? :-) ... I love their approach. Check out How we stack up on their website. Gives a clear indication of what the relatively smaller firms should aim for in terms of service to stay afloat with the BIG G around. I agree with the Smarter team completely. Way to go guys.

SMS barcode info to determine if product is Danish

This is absolutely hilarious. Got this off Olivier's blog. Are we seeing the rise of scanpolitics?


Attia Online: SMS barcode info to determine if product is Danish