Google flirting with Code 128 barcodes ?

The Google search page is showing a 1 D barcode (Code 128 font) on the search page instead of the logo. Wonder whats the reasoning behind it... I wouldn't have been surprised to see a 2 dimensional QR code to allow a user to repeat the same search on their mobile phone but the use of a 1D font is intriguing to say the least. I wonder what could be the data encoded in the barcode.... from the looks of it .. shouldn't be more than 8-12 chars given the high density of the code 128 font.

Update:

The barcode has "Google" encoded inside it and the logo has been changed to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the first barcode patent. More...

Rules for URL shortening services

URL shortening has become a vital tool for social media networks especially with Twitter and other micro blogs gaining popularity. A huge number of shortening services have sprung up to meet the needs with some offering additional features like reporting on top of the basic service.

Came across these 3 rules (Commandments) for URL shortening services at the URL 360 and found them very interesting as they make a lot of sense. I wonder if some one is working on setting up a web standard for URL shortening and their use. The 3 commandments are:

1. Thou shalt not FRAME my url.
2. Thou shalt not display any advertisements during the redirection of my URL.
3. Thou shalt not promote additional information during the redirection of my URL.

Commandments: http://www.url360.me/commandments.html

An App Store for Enterprise Applications

via Techcrunch.

Ondeego will be launching a mobile app store (The App Central) just for enterprise applications today. The app store aims to address the neads of the enterprise workers and IT departments and at the same time providing a channel for enterprise focussed mobile developers.

More info:

>http://www.theappcentral.com

>http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/09/10/ondeego-launches-appcentral-a-mobile-app-store-for-enterprise-tools

>http://www.ondeego.com

The number of mobile applications available for download has exploded in the recent years and there is definitely a market and need for niche content download engines that cater to specific needs of the users. I think its a neat idea and I believe more app stores will be launched soon that focus on a particular category of applications or user base.

CNE 2009 Contest uses ScanLife Lotto Codes

CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) is holding a contest in collaboration with Rogers Wireless that uses the ScanLife Lotto codes. Details of the competition:

"The Contest Period starts at 12.00 on AUGUST 21 2009 and continues until SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 during open hours of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario ("CNE"). No purchase necessary. All times herein are Eastern Times."

To enter, visit the Rogers booth at the CNE during the Contest Period and identify yourself with a Rogers representative to receive instructions how to participate in the Contest. Using the demo BlackBerry® Javelin™ 8900 enabled with the Scanlife software, take a picture of the code as instructed and an instant message will appear on the device confirming if you are potential instant winners ("Entry"). Limit of one (1) Entry per person during the Contest Period.

More details on the contest : http://fivemobile.com/cnecontest/rules.html

This is an innovative use of 2D codes in events. I see 2D codes used a lot more in promotions in the events.

Startuply: Startup Jobs

Once you have worked in a startup, I guess you always want to work in a Start up. Came accross this interesting site that posts jobs only in Start ups. Statuply provides jobs listing only from Startups and in a very starting up look and feel.

The Company details page provides the goals, products and team information. The thing I like the most about the site is that it lists two very important things about the Startup that a job seeker must consider in a startup : "Funding" and "Current Team size".