Quattroruote Selects NeoReader For QR Codes

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, are proud to announce that their mobile code reading application, NeoReader, was selected by Quattroruote Magazine for the Mini Experience QR code campaign in Italy.

Quattroruote is a popular monthly Italian automobile magazine that began publication in 1956.

Readers of the magazine can now use their mobile phones to scan printed QR codes to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia.

In order to scan QR codes, readers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader features NeoMedia's patented resolution technology combined with Gavitec's ultra-small footprint and platform independent algorithms. It is able to read and decipher all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and all 1D UPC/EAN/Code 128 open source codes. The NeoReader supports direct and indirect code linking, which guarantees maximum interoperability with already existing platforms like 2D Data Matrix Semacodes, and Japanese QR links. This allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed on their mobile device.

The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry. Visit get.neoreader.com to download the free application, and instantly transform your mobile phone into a universal code reader.

INFOBON & Deutsche Post Adopt 2D Codes

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, partnered with INFOBON International and Deutsche Post to launch an innovative mobile marketing campaign in Germany using 2D barcodes.

INFOBON is a high quality print medium reaching annually more than 100 million households in the following European countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary. The Infobon group has over 15 years of experience in the field of household-advertisement and coupon marketing.

Consumers who receive the unique mailing advertisement can now use their mobile phones to scan the printed 2D barcode to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia.

To scan these barcodes, consumers 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, INFOBON 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.

Ralph Lauren Launches US QR Code Initiative

Are tech-savvy fashion forward consumers ready to shop by mobile phone? Ralph Lauren hopes so.

Polo is the first luxury retailer to launch a mobile commerce site, hoping to stay ahead of a trend that is making its way from Asia to the United States, said David Lauren, senior vice president of advertising and son of designer and Chief Executive Ralph Lauren.

Using phones to buy items such as train tickets or products in vending machines is commonplace in Japan, but the trend has yet to catch on in the United States.

"We recognize that in America this is going after somebody who is more comfortable with technology," Lauren told Reuters. "The truth is that in other countries, it's becoming a part of their culture. The trend is coming, and as a fashion company it's very important to identify trends and get ahead of them."

While early adopters of new technologies are often young, Lauren said the move is not aimed at a specific age group.

"This is about someone who's interested in our brand and interested in technology, and wherever the two meet, that's what's appropriate," Lauren said.

The apparel maker will begin placing special 2D codes in print ads, mailings and store windows along with its sponsorship of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, which begins later this month.

Shoppers can download the NeoReader to their iPhone, or to their camera enabled cell phone in order to scan the 2D codes, which will direct them to a phone-friendly version of Ralph Lauren's website, where they can shop, watch tennis videos and read company content.

The NeoReader is a free universal code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

McDonalds Finds Success With 12Snap & Gavitec

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company and the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, in conjunction with 12Snap, an innovative market leader specializing in mobile marketing and customer loyalty solutions for advertisers, partnered with McDonalds to launch a mobile couponing initiative in Germany.

What do 99% of all people have in common? Besides their love for good food, they love to get something for free! With the SMS Lounge, McDonald’s invited customers to save money with their mobile phone. One text message was enough to register at their favorite restaurant for the service. In the following months, people received a mobile voucher directly from the restaurant onto their phone every two weeks. The coupons – embedded in a 2D barcode - could be redeemed by scanning them at the restaurant using Gavitec's EXIO readers.

By establishing a long-term dialogue that drives people to the restaurant and increases sales, not only does it offer people a service that gives them a real value, but it also helps build awareness by using a mechanic that presents McDonald’s as an innovative brand.

"Mobile Couponing continues to develop the idea of the bonus program, by tying to learned consumer behavior, but at the same time, the cost for suppliers and customers is drastically reduced", explained Stefanie Krebs, managing director of 12snap Germany. "The phone is always there and thus the ideal platform for timely actions and coupon offers. Regular Incentives and a clear use promise are the best starting point for a permanent emotional customer connection."

Since its initial launch in July 2007, more than 10,000 participants have used this McDonald’s service. Being the first of its kind mobile couponing initiative throughout Germany, the brand achieved response rates up to 29%.

Nokia and Vodafone assisted 12Snap and Gavitec and helped make this mobile couponing initiative a great success.