NeoReader Available For Apple's iPhone

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, announced today that their mobile barcode scanning application -- NeoReader® -- is now available for the iPhone and free to download from Apple's App Store. The NeoReader transforms the iPhone into a barcode scanner which provides instant access to mobile content by clicking on 2D barcodes.

Available immediately for free download, iPhone users simply install the NeoReader barcode scanning application onto their iPhone via Apple's App Store, either over a cell network or using Wi-Fi. The application is also accessible via iTunes.

The NeoReader application turns the iPhone into a mobile conduit to interactive content and information. The simple "one click" access makes the mobile internet much more accessible for iPhone users -- by scanning 2D barcodes via the iPhone's camera, users avoid typing in long URLs and navigating cumbersome menus. The 2D barcodes serve as "hyperlinks" from printed mediums to mobile web content and are activated when and where users choose.

The use cases for mobile barcodes are virtually endless, from advertising or editorial content (e.g. movie trailer, product coupon or video content to accompany a print article) to public service information (e.g. bus schedules or prescription drug information) and personal information (e.g. interactive business card). iPhone users can even promote themselves with mobile barcodes. By creating personal codes users can link their website to a business card, a t-shirt, a social networking profile or any other creative place a barcode can be printed.

"We are very exited the NeoReader for iPhone has been approved by Apple -- the superior web experience of iPhone translates to an enhanced experience with the NeoReader as well. iPhone users are exactly the type of consumers that can propel mobile barcode usage into the mainstream," stated Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. "We know the mobile handset is sacred ground for iPhone users and we respect that. The NeoReader empowers consumers to 'take control' of the content that reaches their iPhone -- they choose when and where they want to engage with a mobile barcode. NeoMedia makes sure the experience is secure, fast and reliable. I believe the NeoReader can be the breakthrough needed to deliver the promise of an easy and accessible mobile internet experience."

The NeoReader is a universal barcode scanning application that reads all standard 2D barcode symbologies -- QR, Data Matrix, Aztec -- so iPhone users won't need multiple barcode readers. Many companies are beginning to utilize 2D barcodes in their marketing and communications efforts. By installing the NeoReader, iPhone users will enjoy the value and convenience of a rich and relevant interactive experience wherever they encounter a mobile barcode.

Gavitec Scanners Used By T-Mobile & Vodafone

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies, today announced that its mobile ticketing scanners were deployed last week at the T-Mobile Street Gigs and Vodafone Music Unlimited events. Since the first Street Gig in June 2007, more than 10,000 music fans received access to these unique events by having their mobile tickets redeemed by the Gavitec scanners. In addition, Vodafone Germany adopted mobile ticketing to distribute exclusive tickets for their July 13th event in Leipzig.

Last Summer, T-Mobile put on a series of spontaneous live music events known as Street Gigs in surprising and unexpected locations across Germany. Tickets for the concerts were available to winners of a “mobile ticket lottery” running on the T-Mobile Street Gigs website. All those registering free of charge as a member of the new T-Mobile Street Gigs community at www.t-mobile-streetgigs.de simply gave their mobile phone numbers. The lottery winners were then sent a pair of mobile tickets in the form of a 2D barcode directly to their mobile phone on the day of the concert. At the gig venue, winners had their mobile ticket scanned by the Gavitec scanner linked into a live database. Once the tickets were validated and redeemed, the winners could enter the venue and enjoy a great night in an exclusive location. Since the first gig in July 2007, more than 10,000 winners have attended the T-Mobile events using mobile tickets.

In order to strengthen its commitment to music products, Vodafone Germany sponsored a live concert featuring one of Germany's most popular bands, Ich + Ich, free of charge in Leipzig, Germany. The tickets for this live concert on July 13 in Leipzig's Kohlrabizirkus were available to all-comers registering at www.vodafone.de/music and taking part in a mobile ticketing lottery. The winners received a mobile ticket for 2 persons in the form of a 2D barcode to be redeemed at the concert venue by the Gavitec scanners.

"We are really pleased that music fans can now take advantage of a more convenient ticketing procedure. Our easy-to-use and versatile scanners are already used successfully in other European countries. It is great to bring this fantastic technology to Germany”, says Dr. Christian Steinborn, CEO at Gavitec AG - mobile digit, and continues “Gavitec’s scanners bring not only enormous advantages for mobile phone users, such as improved customer service, reduced queue times, reliable access control, but also provide event promoters with an easy way to collect data and build a personalized customer database. Therefore, it is a remarkable tool to open new distribution channels and to realize mobile marketing campaigns".

Data Matrix Inventor Joins NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, announced today that Dennis G. Priddy, inventor of the Data Matrix symbology, has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. As an innovator in the 2D barcode industry and a pioneer of 2D imaging, Dennis’ global business insights and technological acumen further solidify NeoMedia’s position as a thought leader in the burgeoning mobile barcode scanning industry.

In his new role, Dennis will oversee all technical operations of the business. Since joining NeoMedia in March 2008, he has been working closely with NeoMedia’s Chief Strategist, Dr. Frank Müller, to promote unified standards in mobile barcode reading technology and cooperate globally with the GSM Association (GSMA) and the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), two of the mobile phone industry’s most influential representative bodies. Establishing unified standards to enable global interoperability is a critical milestone to driving worldwide adoption of mobile marketing utilizing 2D barcodes.

“Most people know the name Dennis Priddy as the father of the Data Matrix symbology, but those in the auto-ID industry associate the name with strong operational leadership,” says Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. “NeoMedia Technologies is proud to have a visionary like Dennis in the organization to help us develop compelling business solutions that leverage barcode scanning technology and navigate the complex global interoperability challenges that lie ahead. It’s great to have someone with his vast experience on board.”

Dennis is world renowned in industry circles for having introduced and led the adoption of the Data Matrix 2D symbology. As a result of Dennis’ efforts, Data Matrix has been established as a national and international identification standard in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, health care, and postal industries, as well as the US Department of Defense, NASA, and the FDA. He was a featured speaker at government and industry forums in the United States, Europe, Japan, and The People’s Republic of China.

He has developed and introduced new technology and established worldwide sales and distribution channels in China and Japan. While serving as Chairman of International Data Matrix, Inc., Dennis coordinated the corporate merger of I.D. Matrix with Robotic Vision Systems, Inc (RVSI) and became CEO of that industry-leading conglomerate. He also participated in the acquisition of Computer Identics Corporation and the subsequent consolidation of Computer Identics with I.D. Matrix to form CiMatrix.

Dennis has served more than 20 years contracting with the federal government with extensive expertise in government contract law and regulation, and is considered a subject matter expert in intellectual property law cases. He is the named inventor on 13 US patents and one patent pending.

NeoMedia's Patent Review Moves To Next Phase

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning, announced today that it will respond to the Office Action recently issued by The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by vigorously defending a patent that has been undergoing re-examination since July 26, 2007. NeoMedia believes the patent to be valid and will provide the USPTO with the necessary documentation to substantiate that validity.

The USPTO recently issued an Office Action regarding the re-examination of NeoMedia's U.S. Patent number 6,199,048. The re-examination procedure is a standard legal process that occurs in the natural course of business -- this is not an "out of the ordinary" event. It is not unusual for the USPTO to preliminarily reject claims during the re-examination process. This initial action is non-final and will be subject to a review process. The '048 patent is presumed to be valid, intact and enforceable during the re-examination process.

While NeoMedia respects the USPTO's finding, it will leverage the due process opportunity to respond to the ruling and defend the patent that it believes valid under patent law. The company has been requested to respond to the Office Action by providing clarification and comment on the cited prior art references by September 3, 2008. Based on prior successful patent defenses, NeoMedia is optimistic that the single patent in question will be confirmed and the re-examination effort will have served to verify the strength of the patent.

"This is a standard patent process and we simply have to let it run its course. We have successfully defended this type of allegation in the past; it's the challenge NeoMedia faces for being an innovator. Our focus is on enabling interoperability and a viable ecosystem of players needed to support a vibrant and growing mobile barcode scanning business," states Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia. "Our willingness to share our expertise and license our IP are important factors in helping the industry gain momentum right now. We have developed flexible and creative IP licensing models that respond to the varying needs in the marketplace. The opportunity is huge...we just need to get the ecosystem running."

NeoMedia has a strong and valuable patent portfolio in the arena of connecting barcodes to content over networks that has been successfully defended in the past. This re-examination was limited to only one of NeoMedia's many patents, and none of its other patents are affected by the re-examination.

OMA Publishes Mobile Code White Paper

The OMA recently published a comprehensive white paper addressing important components of the mobile code ecosystem, such as different symbologies, usage scenarios, and direct versus indirect encoding,

The white paper aims to stimulate a global market in which barcodes act as enablers for camera-equipped handsets to access content and services. Some technologies already exist; for example, in Japan, 2D barcode scanning is in widespread use.

However there is fragmentation in the worldwide market currently, due to the variety of approaches to the questions of which barcode symbologies should be supported, what format of data they should contain, and how reader software should behave when barcodes are read.

The Open Mobile Alliance aims to halt fragmentation by providing guidelines on existing standards as well as creating specifications to address interoperability needs as they arise. Once enough mobile code readers that follow those guidelines are deployed on consumer handsets, marketing organizations and publishers will be able to include mobile codes as links to online content and services with confidence, in advertising and promotional campaigns, and in printed and displayed media of many kinds.

Last December the Mobile Codes Consortium (MC2) announced it had carried out initiatives which lead to GSM Association (GSMA) and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) activities to accelerate mass mobile marketing using 2D barcodes.

Mobile Ticketing From Omniprime & Gavitec

NeoMedia Brings 2D Codes To Hong Kong

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, has teamed up with leading wireless carrier Hutchison Whampoa and New Media Group, to bring mobile codes to Hong Kong.

Hutchison Whampoa, one of the worlds leading telecommunications operators running it's network under the 3 brand, and New Media Group, a leading Hong Kong publisher principally engaged in the publishing and marketing of Chinese language weekly magazines, have deployed NeoMedia's 2D barcodes in New Media's Weekend Weekly and New Monday publications.

Readers of the magazines can now use their mobile phones to scan printed 2D barcodes to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia, such as photos, wallpapers, songs, and video clips.

To scan these barcodes, readers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

In order to create 2D barcodes and link them to the mobile Web, New Media Group used NeoSphere, NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience with brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytical information.

In combination with NeoSphere and NeoReader, the mobile channel has become a viable new media platform for brands, advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers looking for a new and innovative way to interact with their audience.

Companies Transition To 2D Barcodes

By the end of this year, consumers may notice a new type of barcode printed on popular product packaging. In addition to the traditional one-dimensional UPC codes found on everything, two-dimensional Data Matrix codes are now beginning to emerge.

Colgate Palmolive, an American diversified multinational corporation focused on the production, distribution and provision of household, health care and personal products, and Unilever, a multinational corporation owning many of the world's leading consumer product brands, are two such companies that are making the transition to two-dimensional Data Matrix codes.

Speed Stick and Soft Soap are two brands owned by Colgate Palmolive that have begun printing Data Matrix codes on their product packaging.

As seen in the picture to the left, the barcode contains a unique identifier, 9838450, which is used for tracking the product, collecting data, improving production capabilities and anti-counterfeiting measures.

The second picture displays the bottle of Soft Soap with a two-dimensional Data Matrix code printed on the back. It also contains a unique identifier, 9841645, which is used for product tracking and informational purposes.

In addition to product tracking, data collection, production improvements and anti-counterfeiting measures, Data Matrix codes can open up an entirely new revenue stream for brands and advertisers by utilizing the two-dimensional barcode and the ever popular mobile channel.

One such company, NeoMedia Technologies, has a patented technology that enables print and static media to become interactive with target audiences using two-dimensional barcodes and mobile networks by delivering real-time content that can be carried away with the consumer on their mobile device.

In order to link two-dimensional Data Matrix codes to the mobile Web, Colgate Palmolive and Unilever can deploy NeoMedia's NeoSphere Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon two-dimensional barcodes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience for brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytical information.

The barcode's unique identifier, can now be linked to a mobile website using the NeoSphere Code Management Platform.

Consumers can then use their mobile phones to scan printed Data Matrix codes to access specialized mobile content and rich multimedia, such as product information, special offers, coupons, ring tones, and videos. In order to scan Data matrix codes, consumers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

OMA Update On Mobile Code Standards

The OMA recently published a June 2008 Technical Plenary Summary stating that good progress was being made on mobile code standards requirements, and that a consensus has been reached on the definition of an Indirect Mode Ecosystem. The summary also noted that a candidate release was scheduled for second quarter 2009.

Last December the Mobile Codes Consortium (MC2) announced it had carried out initiatives which lead to GSM Association (GSMA) and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) activities to accelerate mass mobile marketing using 2D barcodes.

The Mobile Codes Consortium, the cross-industry group created to promote unified standards in camera cell-phone barcode reading technology, in conjunction with the GSM Association and the Open Mobile Alliance, continues to bring large scale adoption of mobile codes closer to reality.

The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) delivers open specifications for creating interoperable services that work across countries, operators, fixed and mobile terminals. Driven by users’ needs and the expanding market for data services, the member companies of the Open Mobile Alliance stimulate the adoption of new and enhanced information, communication and entertainment services. The Open Mobile Alliance includes contributors from all key elements of the wireless value chain, and contributes to the timely and efficient introduction of services and applications.

Mobile Ticketing Used At Luxembourg Air Show

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies, announced that its mobile ticketing solution was used for the air show in Bitburg, Germany last weekend. Mocom, a Luxembourg-based provider of electronic tickets, offered this innovative ticketing service using Gavitec technology. It was a tremendous success and 15,000 mobile tickets were scanned and redeemed over one weekend.

Prior to the air show, which took place from the 28th to the 29th of June, visitors purchased their tickets online via the Mocom web portal and received them as a unique and encrypted 2D barcode directly to their mobile phone.

At the entrance, visitors simply held their mobile phone to the Gavitec scanners to gain quick and easy access to the event. The mobile tickets were redeemed by 6 Gavitec scanners working in parallel. This service offers visitors an easy and convenient alternative to conventional printed tickets or vouchers.

The Gavitec technology offers visitors and event promoters enormous advantages: with an easy and reliable admission solution, queuing time is reduced and direct access to the event is possible.
Moreover, this service supplies event organizers with detailed response statistics and rich reporting and analytical information on mobile activities. This allows event organizers to improve and optimize their events. Furthermore, customers can be individually addressed with information, promotion materials, offers of other services and marketing activities. For example, vouchers and coupons can be created according to the customer’s individual needs and be validated using the Gavitec solution. The scanners are specifically designed for cost-effective mobile marketing applications and a targeted customer approach with precise response measurement. Therefore, new sales and distribution channels open up for event promoters.

Gavitec AG - mobile digit is one of the leading providers of mobile solutions worldwide. Its code reading technology is an integral part of a large number of mobile ticket and voucher systems in Europe.

OgilvyOne Adopts NeoReader and NeoSphere

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, today announced that OgilvyOne Worldwide has deployed two of NeoMedia’s innovative mobile products: NeoReader (barcode scanning application) and NeoSphere (code management platform) for the launch of neo@ogilvy, its integrated digital and direct media company in Malaysia. The launch has been planned and managed by Rezonanze, NeoMedia’s strategic partner in Asia and a leading interactive branding and marketing consultancy.

For the launch of its new division neo@ogilvy in Malaysia, OgilvyOne Worldwide invited brands and advertisers to attend a special reception. The OgilvyOne invitation featured a 2D barcode that linked to neo@ogilvy WAP pages. By scanning the code with their camera phones, attendees were able to preview the neo@ogilvy profile on their mobile phones. The NeoReader, NeoMedia’s 2D barcode scanning application, was used to capture the codes and instantly deliver the multimedia information about OgilvyOne’s new division on mobile phone displays.

“This project clearly points out the significant advantages our technology brings to the advertising and marketing industry” says Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies, and continues “with the NeoReader, marketers are able to address specific targeted audience segments with precise response measurement”.

To create the 2D barcode and link it to the mobile Web, Rezonanze deployed NeoSphere, NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience with brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytics information.

Rezonanze Uses 2D Codes From NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Rezonanze, a Kuala Lumpur based leading interactive branding and marketing consultancy, today announced that they have entered into a partnership to enhance the brand user experience in the Asian market.

Under the cooperation agreement, Rezonanze will deploy NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform “NeoSphere” to extend its clients’ brand value by providing them with a simple way to interact with valuable mobile customers while establishing an ROI metric for traditional media. The NeoSphere Code Management Platform is a suite of tools designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and mobile phones.

Rezonanze is very enthusiastic about this new branding and marketing medium because it offers a new level of interactivity with consumers. Print ads (or any static medium) are transformed into interactive experiences for mobile customers by simply adding a 2D code and linking it directly to the multimedia capability of the mobile Web.

“We are excited by the possibilities gained from the NeoSphere Code Management Platform”, says Anna Chew, Director of Rezonanze. “It takes interactivity to another level, enhancing the traditional media experience, while it also acts as a CRM tool, providing valuable insights into the consumer usage patterns. It will help us to deliver the right offer and right experience to the right customer at the right time.”

In combination with the NeoReader, NeoMedia’s barcode scanning application for camera phones, the interactive channel has become a viable new media platform. This is why Rezonanze intends to roll out NeoMedia’s products and technology to timely and effectively manage and control marketing campaigns for their clients and provide a unique mobile user experience with brands. Rezonanze has a wide variety of clients in key industries, including automotive, banking, insurance and FMCGs.

“The wireless market in Asia is significantly ahead of the U.S. and we believe this partnership with Rezonanze will help establish NeoSphere and NeoReader as an outstanding service solution in Malaysia and the greater region,” said Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies.

OgilvyOne Worldwide Malaysia, the global leader in customer relationship management and interactive marketing, is the first Rezonanze client to use NeoSphere in its new digital and direct media division, neo@ogilvy. Rezonanze is planning future trials with cinema operators, movie distributors and media companies. As a result, movie fans should have the opportunity to watch trailers via mobile phone.