Sony Ericsson Preloads NeoReader

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions, announced that Sony Ericsson has selected NeoMedia as its strategic 2D barcode partner.

Sony Ericsson will begin shipping phones pre-loaded with NeoMedia’s NeoReader barcode scanning application globally in the 1st half of 2010. The NeoReader will be pre-installed across all Sony Ericsson platforms.

"Sony Ericsson is very happy to work with NeoMedia as our global provider of barcode scanning solutions. We see great potential in the 2D barcode market and support NeoMedia’s strategy to promote and drive the open 2D barcode standards. We are looking forward to working with NeoMedia to explore all the potential the technology enables," stated Robert Westin, Business Development Manager, with Sony Ericsson.

Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies commented, "The marketplace is ready for 2D barcodes – retailers and brands are already experimenting with them, and the technology has long been validated. The challenge is in creating a scalable pool of mobile users capable of scanning barcodes. This partnership with Sony Ericsson will make mobile barcode scanning a simple, out-of-the-box experience for consumers."

McCready continued, "NeoMedia’s vision has been to create an open and interoperable 2D barcode ecosystem which would provide a consistent and reliable consumer experience worldwide. This agreement with Sony Ericsson is another important step towards making this vision a reality and is part of NeoMedia’s ongoing strategy to accelerate adoption through relationships with manufacturers, operators and brands alike."

The NeoReader transforms camera phones into mobile barcode scanners which provide easy access to mobile content via 2D barcodes. The simple “one click” action makes the mobile internet much more accessible for mobile users. By scanning 2D barcodes via the phone’s camera, users avoid typing in long URLs and navigating cumbersome mobile menus.

The NeoReader is a universal barcode scanning application and has set the standard for other apps like Microsoft Tag, RedLaser & ShopSavvy to follow. The NeoReader reads all standard 1D and 2D barcode symbologies – QR, Data Matrix, Aztec, UPC and EAN – so users won’t need multiple barcode readers installed on their phone.

Klambt Media Group Selects NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions, and philipp, an Austrian-based mobile solutions and services company, were selected by Klambt Media Group, to provide 2D barcode services for a contest launched last month in Germany's The Star, Style and In magazines.

Readers were encouraged to text NEO via SMS, which linked them to the NeoReader download site. Once the NeoReader code scanning software was installed on their device, readers can scan the Data Matrix code, which connected them to mobile content and entered them into a raffle.

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NeoMedia Partners With Texas Nameplate

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, has been selected by Texas Nameplate, a leading manufacturer of specialized metal nameplates for a wide range of industries, to help launch its new range of fully customizable, digitally-enabled products.

Texas Nameplate has chosen NeoMedia’s NeoReader® 2D barcode scanning solution to power its new Digital Nameplate™ products. Digital Nameplate is a brand-new product that allows users to electronically download information from a metal nameplate via a mobile device. It uses the chemical etch process to embed customizable data in a 2D matrix format, allowing users to read data quickly and easily, through any mobile device enabled with the downloadable NeoReader software.

"We are very excited to partner with NeoMedia Technologies and bring this ground-breaking capability to the market," says Dale Crownover, President of Texas Nameplate. "NeoMedia Technologies and Texas Nameplate will co-develop standards and identify new markets for this technology. Our collaborative efforts will propel a traditional manufacturing product into the twenty first century, where information can be accessed and shared anywhere, at any time. New applications of this technology will have a significant impact on customer care, asset tracking, inventory control, compliance, and many more."

Digital Nameplates can dramatically reduce reading errors, enhance traceability of products, and make long term data storage and retrieval possible. This new technology is currently patent-pending, and delivers an industry first into what is becoming an increasingly popular market.

"The partnership with Texas Nameplate is a fantastic opportunity for NeoMedia Technologies and represents another significant commercial application of our barcode scanning solutions,” said Iain McCready, Chief Executive Officer at NeoMedia Technologies. "It is yet another exciting and innovative integration of 2D barcoding and further demonstrates just how adaptable our technology can be. In this case, we will provide customers instant access to significant information in an intuitive and easy-to-use method - speeding up business processes and delivering significant efficiency gains to all parties involved."

The NeoReader application can be easily downloaded onto any camera-enabled mobile device. Users can then scan barcodes and access mobile content in one easy click. This enables the mobile to link directly to a specific web page, access new services, retrieve real-time information, or place orders by bypassing long URLs, search engines, and cumbersome menus.

TecCom Selects NeoReader For TecIdentify

Last October, NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, announced that they had been selected by TecCom, the leading B2B platform for the automotive replacement part market, to help identify if security coded automotive parts are genuine.

The first IT platform to check the authenticity of auto parts is now fully available in Version 1.2. Many well-known manufacturers will add this new security feature in the form of a 2D barcode to their packaging. Any person anywhere in the world can now check products bearing the CLEPA security code at any time of day or night. TecCom supports the European automotive suppliers' association (CLEPA) in the fight against product piracy.

The first to use the production system is Continental Teves, Federal Mogul and TRW will soon follow with their first product lines. Each product will carry a worldwide unique identification number in the form of a data matrix barcode. With this it can be unmistakably authenticated. Other security measures like holograms, seals or color codes depend on immediate recognition. It is necessary for the user to know in advance how to recognize the features. CLEPA follows a different method with its security code: identification using an IT solution: TecIdentify. Checking is based on intelligent test algorithms that cannot be copied and a standard database that is protected from unallowed access.

To use TecIdentify a customer needs an Internet PC with a scanner or a camera phone equipped with the NeoReader to check auto parts and get an immediate answer. The research of visible security features needed to achieve the same level of security is no longer needed.

The TecCom solution TecIdentify serves as the central authentication service for all who want to check a part's authenticity: manufacturers, customs, traders, garages or drivers. “Many of our first movers used this year's Automechanika in Frankfurt to explain the problems of product piracy to their customers. TecIdentify is a natural fit. That TecIdentify won the Automechanika Innovation Prize in the Category IT & Management shows the high visibility of this topic,” says Jürgen Buchert, CEO of TecCom GmbH.

"NeoMedia’s mission is to enable the global market to realize the ease, convenience and simplicity of 2D barcode technology," said Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. "By extending the reach of our technology to the mobile handset, we are able to add increased flexibility and portability to our 2D barcode offering, while reducing the cost of existing fixed location scanning solutions. Our work with TecCom reflects the practicality and adaptability of our technology and demonstrates the vast range of commercial applications for 2D barcode systems."

Nokia & NeoMedia Team For 2D Codes

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Nokia, the world leader in mobility, teamed together with IQ-Mobile to launch an interactive 2D barcode campaign in the popular German Men's magazine, Wiener.

Readers of the magazine are invited to text the word "code" to a short code, which will return a link allowing them to download and install the NeoReader onto their mobile device.

Once downloaded and installed, readers can launch the NeoReader application to scan the 2D Data Matrix code, which will connect them to a Nokia mobile website.

From there, readers can register to be entered into a special drawing to become a mobile phone tester for one of three Nokia Navigation devices: The 6210, 6220, or E71.

NeoMedia offers the tools and infrastructure for wireless carriers, mobile phone manufactures, brands and media companies to make optical messaging and its associated commerce easy, universal, and reliable - worldwide.

Iusacell & NeoMedia Bring 2D Codes To Mexico

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, has partnered with Iusacell to bring 2D codes to Mexico.

Iusacell, Mexico's 3rd largest mobile operator, has more than 4.3 million subscribers and provides cellular services to 90% of Mexico's population, including Mexico City. The company also offers local and long-distance telephony, messaging services, mobile television and wireless broadband services over the only 3G nation-wide network in Mexico.

In order to leverage its mobile code reading technology in Mexico, NeoMedia and Iusacell will deploy 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.

To interact with 2D codes, Iusacell subscribers can download the NeoReader, which is a free universal mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit. By installing the NeoReader, Iusacell subscribers will enjoy the value and convenience of a rich and relevant interactive experience whenever they encounter a mobile code.

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

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.

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.

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.

NeoReader Now Supports 115 Handsets

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, are pleased to announce they have expanded the number of supported mobile phones for their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner providing one-click access to mobile content.

In addition to the already 100 supported devices, the NeoReader now supports 115 mobile handsets with the addition of the following 15 Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung Smartphones:

Motorola:
V980, E1000

Sony Ericsson:
Z525a, K850i, K858c

Nokia:
6500 classic, 6500 slide, 5310 XpressMusic, 5610 XpressMusic,
6301, 6555, 7500 Prism, 7900 Prism

Samsung:
Z400v, Z140

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, Maxi) 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.

NeoReader Reaches 100 Supported Handsets

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, are pleased to announce they have expanded the number of supported mobile phones for their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner providing one-click access to mobile content.

In addition to the already 78 supported devices, the NeoReader now supports 100 mobile handsets with the addition of the following 22 Nokia Smartphones:

Models: 3250, N91, 5500, N71, N73, N75, N92, E50, N77, E65, E61i, N80, E70, N95, 6290, N76, 6110 Navigator, 5700 XpressMusic, 6120 classic, 6121 classic, E51, N81

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, Maxi) 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.

NeoReader Upgrade Available For Download

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, recently released an upgrade to their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner that provides one-click access to mobile content.

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, Maxi) 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 updated version includes new features and improvements for issues observed just after the release of the previous version of the NeoReader. The new version is free and immediately downloadable for all available handsets. If you already have a former Java version of the NeoReader on your mobile phone, please uninstall it before you download and install the new version.

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.

NeoMedia's Gavitec Partners With Clear Channel

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, announced today, for the third time Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a NeoMedia wholly owned subsidiary, implements mobile enterprise solutions using NeoReader technology in outdoor ad campaigns.

Clear Channel Inc. recently deployed an enterprise application based on NeoMedia's new NeoReader application representing its next generation of client software. The solution is also being used by companies such as Ströer, Germany's largest supplier of out-of-home media, and AWK, UK's outdoor advertising agency. NeoReader and its associated applications, allow Clear Channel to link users directly to specific web pages, access mobile enterprise applications, retrieve real time information, or place orders. With this revenue producing project, NeoMedia again demonstrates a myriad of uses for its optically initiated mobile applications.

The mobile enterprise system developed for Clear Channel uses standard mobile phones to replace portable terminals. Camera phones equipped with customized software using NeoMedia's new NeoReader technology; billposters are able to read 2D codes on posters and billboards via camera phones. Instantly, results and responses of billpostings are documented and forwarded to Clear Channel resource planners. Camera phones serve as organizational tools and quickly provide billposters with the required information for poster placement. This process allows for Clear Channel to substantially increase the efficiency of its billposting. England's leading outdoor advertiser is now enabled to adapt poster campaigns on short notice and offer its clients a highly flexible use of advertising space.

Clear Channel's application relies on NeoMedia's cutting-edge NeoReader technology. By utilizing the NeoReader technology, camera phones are transformed into universal code readers that can read barcodes or two-dimensional codes simply by clicking with their installed camera phone application. Users connect directly to the mobile Internet without URLs or manually entered links. Especially in mobile marketing, NeoReader inaugurates a new era of creative solutions.

"NeoMedia's code-reader technology turns mobile phones into multi-functional tools for ever more and new application areas. The versatility of this software is enormous. It offers completely new possibilities for linking the physical world with mobile content," explains Mario Joußen, CTO of Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. "Wherever small codes can be applied, users of camera phones can -- instantly -- receive content without difficulty."

Since 2D codes can easily be printed in the production process, the NeoReader technology is a reliable and cost-saving alternative compared to conventional RFID-based systems. NeoMedia Technologies introduces the NeoReader as a universal code reader based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany. NeoReader reads all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, and Aztec) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and 1D open source codes. This allows the NeoReader user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed.