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.

CTIA Forms Code Scan Action Team

At its October 23 meeting in San Francisco, CTIA’s Board of Directors approved a new initiative of CTIA’s Wireless Internet Caucus (WIC) in the area of Cameraphone Barcode Scanning.

CTIA's Code Scan Action Team, comprised of industry representatives, is currently in the process of evaluating solutions to implement Cameraphone Barcode Scanning on wireless phones in the United States. According to its charter, "The Code Scan Action Team will work together to enable unified communication to external stakeholders (such as consumer goods, media, and retailers) that need to hear of a unified approach (technologically and systemically) prior to committing to their initial capital expenditure, technology selection and marketing resources. These external investments are required to drive actual utilization of the cameraphone scanning technologies infrastructure.

It is proposed that the Action Team be limited to the national U.S. wireless carriers until June 30, 2008. In the intervening months, the carriers will collect and analyze data through trial and analysis, and formulate a plan for Cameraphone Scanning Technologies market development.

Numerous opportunities are contingent upon standards being agreed upon and communicated in the areas of symbologies, code resolution, priority functions, value added services, and measurement and reporting.

According to its charter, "The Action Team will articulate conventions for code resolution, either directly through the code or indirectly through server translation."

There are two primary methods of 2D barcode symbology encoding: direct encoding and indirect encoding.

In a direct encoding method, the target information itself is directly encoded in a 2D barcode. The code reader on the mobile phone translates the code data and takes an immediate local action.

Indirect encoding is the process of linking the target information to an index (364528) and putting that unique identifier into a 2D barcode. The code reader on the mobile phone reads the 2D code and sends the code data over the Internet to a central resolution server that will tell the mobile phone what action is associated with the index.

The Indirect encoding method offers obvious advantages over the direct method, and presents huge application areas for carriers, handset manufacturers, consumer goods, media, and retailers.

Listed below are just a few of the many advantages of indirect encoding:

* Indirect codes are small: The code size varies depending on the amount of information encoded in it. As indirect codes only compress an index, they have the adequate size to be successfully read and decoded by the mobile phone. However direct codes, containing a URL for example, are mostly too large and not appropriate for printed media.

* Indirect codes compress unlimited information: While direct codes allow limited data to be carried in the code in order to be read by the code reader application, indirect codes can be created limitless. The target information linked to the index contained in the code can vary and be as long as the client or code owner needs it. The variety of inputs possible is lager for indirect than direct codes that can contain UPC, EAN, ISBN and other product codes as well as keywords.

* Indirect codes ensure added durability and maintain advertising continuality: The central resolution server manages the content indexed to each indirect code, allowing clients and code owners to easily update information without having to change codes. New or additional information would simply involve changing the content linked to the index and not the code itself. Indirect codes remain the same and keep linking to the proper data while direct codes are unusable any longer. Using the direct method, if a website changes and a webpage is removed, the URL encoded within the 2D barcode will be incorrect. The direct code will not link to the appropriate website and all materials (e.g. newspapers, ads, billboards, books, etc.) where the direct code has been placed will be erroneous and out of use. However, the index encoded 2D barcode remains the same making indirect codes durable and always up-to-date.

* Indirect codes make the most of the advertisement utilization: Besides their durability and long-term use, small and smart indirect codes can be discreetly placed in any kind of print or attached on any information display surface, such as advertising panels, billboards, walls, enabling any mobile phone user to access digital information and therefore maximizing the advertising utilization. As advertising space costs in given media vehicle are significant and mostly very high, the budget-minded advertiser or agency will not use any ad space for large direct codes which will impact the communication's goals.

* Indirect codes maximize the addressable handset market: Being small, discreet and durable, indirect codes can be read and decoded by a large number of mobile phones currently available on the market and not just a handful of handsets. Depending on the camera lens, optics, resolution and illumination, not every mobile phone is able to read large direct 2D barcodes.

* Indirect codes offer a wide range of exciting applications: The ability for individuals and corporations to interact with the electronic world will allow economies to be much more efficient and consumer-product companies to make their products more attractive. This also will revolutionize the ad industry by providing a one-to-one, permission-based, personalized and profiled dialog with customers. Indirect codes can be used in a wide range of application areas, from commercial to social to educational. For example, indirect codes can be used in grocery stores to get recipes and nutritional information on products. They can be used for advertising purposes, to download a trailer or music off a movie promotional poster, for instance. Or simply to help users to find the nearest cinema or call up an online box office to locate movie times. Indirect codes can be embedded in business cards to link to constantly updated contact information. Moreover, indirect codes can be used in museum and galleries, where visitors can download high-quality audio and visual content about exhibits in multiple languages. Tourists can even retrieve sightseeing information as they walk through a city.

As cameraphones become increasingly common and cameraphone barcode scanning technologies mature, an alliance of proactive carriers can create conditions that will encourage market growth. Given the aggressive timeline for the CTIA's Code Scan Action Team, we should have a good idea by Summer 2008 of its continued effectiveness in helping the industry reach win-win solutions.

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 Featured On Google ZXing Website

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, are pleased to announce that 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, is featured on Google's ZXing website.

ZXing (pronounced "zebra crossing") is an open-source, multi-format 1D/2D barcode reader library implemented in Java. Google's goal is to support the decoding of QR Codes, Data Matrix, and the UPC family of 1D barcodes. It will provide clients for J2ME, J2SE, and Android.

According to Google's Senior Software Engineer and ZXing project owner, Sean Owen, "There are several great readers out there, and there are bits of open-source code already for decoding, but not both at the same time. We want everyone to have access to some great source code to play with, so we decided we'd try an experiment, and open up our in-progress effort. Maybe some of it will be useful to you -- maybe you can help improve it."

"Will this be the best reader ever? Well we hope it gets quite good. Things are far from perfect, and it's hard to top some of the great (native-code) readers out there. No, we primarily hope to provide a solid base of code from which people can derive other implementations, and to which people can submit new, better code. If this helps raise the quality of readers everywhere we've all done our job."

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.

NeoMedia Technologies' NeoServer™-OMS

NeoMedia’s NeoServer™-OMS (Optical Messaging Service) is a complete infrastructure with services for generating printed codes, reading those codes, and then acting upon the codes by delivering mobile content.

By linking barcodes and brand names to targeted URL’s, the NeoServer™-OMS allows mobile marketers to promote their products and services directly to consumers, anytime, anywhere. Employing the rich media capabilities of the mobile web, the NeoServer™-OMS is the pre-eminent enabler for mobile marketing campaigns. Now mobile marketers can offer the consumer instant and effortless access to any marketing activity, including contests, coupons, tracking, polling, events, ticketing, direct purchases, mobile entertainment, real time information and more. NeoMedia’s NeoServer™-OMS reaches as far as our imagination.

The NeoServer™-OMS is a robust, reliable, scalable, and extensible infrastructure leading the way for universal code support and interoperability. This infrastructure includes solutions of access technology and resolution services using carrier-grade infrastructure, architecture, and interoperability.

Components

NeoServer™-OMS is composed of mobile handset software and several web services, all of which combine to provide mobile users with the ability to directly retrieve content by either automatically scanning barcodes, or manually entering keywords or barcode numbers.

* Gateway for routing
* Link Manager for code linking and resolution
* Directory service

Advantages

* Each customer’s codes can be housed on a different Resolution Service, if desired
* Gateways handle sorting out Resolution Services
* Gateways can be regional or in carrier infrastructure, shortening network delay
* No single service instance is critical for entire world

Technical highlights

* Scalable and reliable
* Handles increases in load well
* No single point of failure

* Localizable
* Services can be deployed regionally
* Customers can “own” their services

* Flexible
* Service widest possible variety of handsets
* Act as “front end” for other services

* Standards-compliant
* Use industry-standard protocols and systems

NeoMedia Adds To Strategic Advisory Board

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, recently announced the induction of new Board of Advisors member Joe Gilbride, who brings with him extensive industry experience and is dedicated to the growth and expansion of NeoMedia Technologies.

Joe Gilbride is a senior financial executive who began his career at Ernst and Young. He is a CPA, and has a MBA in Finance from NYU. He has been the VP Corporate Controller of the Interpublic Group of Companies, which trades on the NYSE. Joe was the VP CFO of the Lowe Group, a Global Advertising Company which had offices around the world. He oversaw budgeting, reporting, IT, treasury, accounting and planning. He has also helped take a company through its IPO, and has significant M&A experience, having completed over 100 transactions around the world. Joe has also worked for MDC and Partners expanding its brand in North America, and acquiring Crispin Porter for MDC. He then went on to Euro RSCG, Saatchi & Saatchi, and the digital Marketing agency Avenue A/ Razorfish, which was recently acquired by Microsoft.

"The development of the NeoMedia Technologies Advisory Board has combined many talented and highly qualified executives with much to offer in the technology and telecommunication fields," states William J. Hoffman, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. "All the members bring extensive knowledge of the wireless and telecom industries. We are happy to have their commitment to NeoMedia Technologies."

Joe Gilbride joins Rich Cremona from Open Wave, Marc Lefar from AT&T, and Clarence Wesley from Xerox Mobile Solutions.

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 Adds To Strategic Advisory Board

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, announced today the induction of new Board of Advisors member Rich Cremona, who brings with him extensive industry experience and is dedicated to the growth and expansion of NeoMedia Technologies.

Rich Cremona will be a new member on the Board of Advisors for NeoMedia Technologies. He is a well-rounded and talented telecommunications and sales executive. He has had P&L experience and international exposure, as well as comprehensive operational stints in field services and human resources. Mr. Cremona brings 18 years of management experience from AT&T as Sales Manager, GM, International Development Director, and GM of National Sales and Service division. Following AT&T, Cremona was Field Services VP and Region Sales VP of Lucent Technologies in, St. Louis Missouri. In 2000, he became President of Business Sales for Sprint PCS Wireless division where he was accountable for leading Sprint PCS' combined business sales channel distribution and marketing organizations for advanced wireless technology applications. Next, he became executive VP for McLeodUSA where Cremona developed, deployed, and led the strategic sales organization. Prior to NeoMedia Technologies, he was Sales VP of Openwave Systems where he was a member of the sales management team of Openwave and responsible for the sales of advanced software applications, hardware configurations, and professional services engagements.

"NeoMedia Technologies is proud to develop a team with experienced individuals like Mr. Cremona. I believe that with his background knowledge and strategic leadership ability, NeoMedia Technologies will continue to be the global leader in optically initiated transactions and lead the way to interoperability in the industry. We are proud to have him," stated William Hoffman, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies.

Rich Cremona joins Marc Lefar from AT&T and Clarence Wesley from Xerox Mobile Solutions who joined NeoMedia's Strategic Advisory Board last month.

NeoMedia Hires New VP Of Marketing

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, is pleased to announce that it has hired Terry Griffin as the company's new Vice President of Marketing.

Terry Griffin is a multi-dimensional marketing expert who brings over 18 years of diverse industry experience to NeoMedia. Before joining the company, Terry was the Vice President of Marketing for EarthLink and was responsible for the stewardship of the EarthLink brand, and the development and execution of all consumer facing communications and programs designed to increase EarthLink’s overall awareness and profitably through the acquisition of new subscribers. Terry was also the Group Director of National Consumer Promotions for the Coca-Cola Company where he was responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for a team of 40 marketing professionals who developed and executed world class, strategically integrated national consumer marketing programs for Coca-Cola North America.

A results-oriented senior marketing executive with a successful career in leading change, building and directing organizations, developing innovative marketing strategies and executing programs with distinction to deliver bottom-line results for blue-chip brands, Terry Griffin is looking to jump right in and get her feet wet.

"I am thrilled to be part of the NeoMedia team and think you'll see major progress over the next 6 months as we clarify our vision and begin operationalizing this technology in the marketplace in a meaningful way," Terry exclaimed. "The team that Chip has brought together are aligned and ready for the good fight. I am immersing myself in the many facets of the NeoMedia world to enable a running start when I come on board."

William Hoffman Presents At Mobile Summit

Presentation by William J. Hoffman, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies at the October 22nd Mobile Entertainment Summit, in which he discusses how to enable reliable, secure wireless transactions in the mobile environment.

NeoMedia Confident About Patent Reexamination

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted the Ex-Parte Re-examination of U.S. Patent No. 6,199,048.

NeoMedia has a large portfolio consisting of U.S. and foreign patents and pending applications relating to various inventions surrounding the processing of "machine readable codes over wireless networks." NeoMedia expects the '048 patent will be confirmed by the USPTO in course of the re-examination. According to publicly available statistics, only about 10% of patents that are re-examined have all their claims declared invalid.

NeoMedia's CEO, William J. Hoffman, states, "Regardless of the outcome of the re-examination, NeoMedia's inventions and the patent portfolio that protects them will continue to effectively serve the creation of a global and interoperable infrastructure that enables large scale adoption of mobile codes as triggers of optically initiated transactions." He added, "NeoMedia's main motivation is to use its inventions to make this wireless ecosystem a reality and create advantages for the global value chain."

Additionally, in an effort to focus its energy on building a profitable ecosystem, and not to be distracted by time-consuming and costly patent litigation, NeoMedia has agreed to stay the current patent litigation against Scanbuy pending the re-examination's outcome.

NeoMedia's CEO affirms, "NeoMedia will use the 'stay period' to develop and to deploy our turn-key solutions for reading and processing a multitude of barcode formats that are ISO certified. Our patents have been reviewed and granted by appropriate government agencies, subsequently challenged, then licensed by numerous multinational companies deeply versed in Intellectual Property Rights. At the appropriate time, NeoMedia will move forward vigorously with the litigation and protect the rights we have been granted by patent offices worldwide."

Gavitec Powers Mobile Ticketing For O2

A new service delivered by O2 for the West End hit, The Lord of the Rings, brings the latest in mobile technology to the theater world.

It is the first major commercial launch of a full scale mobile ticketing service in Europe, which allows customers to buy, receive, and access a show, all using their mobile phone.

The service will allow O2 customers to purchase up to 10 tickets for The Lord of the Rings production, at a preferential rate of £25, compared to the normal price of £60, using a secured credit card transaction over O2's Active Portal.

The virtual ticket will exist in the "my tickets" section of The Lord of the Rings mobile box office, accessed via your phone. The tickets, all for Tuesday night performances, will let you know your seat numbers, opening times, and has a unique 2D barcode which can be scanned in and redeemed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

The mobile ticketing initiative is a collaborative effort between Telefonica O2 Europe, Trinity Mobile, and NeoMedia's Gavitec. Trinity's integrated FoneScan™ utilizes Gavitec's MD20 code scanning technology and can be embedded within an existing point-of-sale, kiosk, entry control system, desk/bar top, or other hardware.

Telefonica O2 Europe comprises mobile network operators in the UK, Ireland and Slovakia, along with integrated fixed/mobile businesses in Germany and the Czech Republic - all of which use O2 as their consumer brand. In addition, O2 has established the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively.

To access the service, O2 customers can text LOTR to 2020.

Mobile Barcode Camp A Tremendous Success

Saturday November 10th was the highly anticipated Mobile Barcode Camp in New York City. The event was a tremendous success and brought together over 200 participants including industry giant Google, European carrier Orange, handset manufacturer Nokia, mobile marketing powerhouse m-Blox, mobile code-reading companies Nextcode, Scanbuy, Shotcode, and many more.

The event's organizer, David Harper, is the founder of Winksite and the co-founder of Mobile Monday NY. According to Mr. Harper, "Mobile Barcode Camp brings together mobile enthusiasts, explorers, authors, designers, architects, producers and professionals in North America to share the current state and their visions for the future direction of mobile barcodes and other cellphone-readable physical hyperlinks. Mobile Barcode Camp hopes to support the many voices helping to unlock the potential of a truly digital life."

Covered during the Mobile Barcode Camp included such topics as:

* Is Mainstream America Ready for Barcodes? The Convergence of "Realspace" and "Mobilespace. Discussion led by David Harper, Founder, Winksite.

* Android's open source barcode reader, with Sean Owen from Google.

* Barcoding at Orange and partnership opportunities: an overview of what Orange does in barcodes, and information about programs they have set up to help developers get their apps to work in the hands of users. Lecture lead by Benoit de Boursetty, Direct Wireless Business Developer, France Telecom, North America.

* Moving Code Scanning from Potential to Profit. Standards to Build a New Industry, led by Jim Levinger, CEO, Nextcode.

Special thanks to JP for attending Saturday's Mobile Barcode Camp in New York City and for providing the great pictures.

Gavitec Forms Alliance With Ryanair & Ticket Text

Gavitec AG - mobile digit; a leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies; the global leader in camera initiated transactions for mobile devices, today announced that together with Ryanair; Europe's largest low fares airline, and Ticket Text; a Dublin-based provider of one of the world's first mobile event ticket services, formed a strong alliance to bring mobile ticketing to the European market and offer a clear solution to existing expensive and ineffective paper ticketing systems.

The principle is simple; both websites of Ryanair and Ticket Text are linked to each other. About 52 million Ryanair passengers can access a whole range of low cost event tickets provided by Ticket Text all over Europe. NeoMedia's Gavitec scanners then read the mobile tickets at the event site.

Mobile ticketing is becoming increasingly popular world-wide. Fans and concert goers buy their ticket on the internet and receive a text message with a two-dimensional code (e.g. Data Matrix codes) on their mobile phone display. NeoMedia's Gavitec scanners then read and validate the code at the entry point to the venue.

Dr. Christian Steinborn, President and COO of NeoMedia Technologies commented: "The future belongs to mobile ticketing. Our cooperation with Ryanair and Ticket Text creates a compelling offering which will push forward mobile ticketing enormously using Gavitec's code-reading systems and software for mobile applications."

Tim Delaney, Ticket Text's chairman added, "We are delighted to announce this alliance with Gavitec AG - mobile digit. Our combined solution presents a clear and compelling offering to both venue managers and event customers. Ryanair's 50 million customers will be offered low-cost tickets for concerts, sports, theaters, galleries, and exhibitions in Ireland, UK, and the rest of Europe."

NeoMedia's Gavitec offers full-service solutions for the application of mobile ticketing, ranging from scanners to corresponding software with their technology offering various opportunities for innovative and cost-effective marketing campaigns, such as using new channels of distribution and a more targeted and well directed sales approach with precise response evaluation.

William Hoffman To Attend Monaco Media Forum

NeoMedia Technologies' CEO William J. Hoffman will be in attendance at this years Monaco Media Forum. The 2007 edition of the Forum will be held in Monte Carlo from November 8th through the 10th.

The Monaco Media Forum brings together leaders of old and new media for high-level discussions about the future of print, broadcast and online communications. Hosted by HSH Prince Albert II, the invitation-only event focuses on opportunities in emerging media, as well as the implications for marketing, advertising and finance. Aggressively global in outlook, The Monaco Media Forum provides essential perspective for strategic leadership in the digital revolution.

By turning "old" media into "new" media, NeoMedia enables print and broadcast media to become interactive with their target audience using 2D bar codes and mobile networks, by-passing search engines and long URLs, avoiding cumbersome menus, replacing toll-free service and delivering real-time content that can be carried away with the consumer on the mobile. NeoMedia offers the tools and infrastructure for wireless carriers, brands, mobile phone manufactures and media companies to make optical messaging (OMS) and its associated commerce easy, universal, and reliable – worldwide.

William Hoffman joins Maurice Levy of Publicis Groupe, and Rishad Tobaccowala, Nick Pahade, Tim Hanlon, and Tim Harris of Denuo – Among others who will also be in attendance.

NeoMedia Technologies Launches New Website

Click here to visit the new website

NeoMedia & Gavitec Launch The NeoReader

NeoMedia Technologies and its wholly owned subsidiary, Gavitec AG - mobile digit, unveiled today their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a 1D and 2D barcode scanner that provides one-click access to mobile content.

Navigating the mobile Internet today can be a difficult task. Typing in web-addresses using small mobile keypads or navigating through mobile menus on the small screens can be time consuming and confusing, to the users. Imagine a world where camera phones could read a small barcode allowing immediate access to active content. Users can be directed instantly to advertising pages, location-specific information, direct-to-call access, or direct-to-text message access. With the NeoReader, users can read barcodes directly from product labels that are already printed on millions of packages, and be directed to additional information and promotions.

The NeoReader allows users to scan 1D and 2D barcodes from enabled product packages, ad campaigns, retail displays, publications, or any variety of medium. Mobile users are able to link directly to a specific web page, access services, retrieve real-time information, or place orders by bypassing long URLs, search engines, and avoiding cumbersome menus.

Providing an unparalleled and enriched interactive experience, the software provides limitless mobile phone applications that can enhance mobile marketing efforts. The NeoReader provides businesses, consumer-oriented companies, and enterprise organizations the ability to create interactive products and services. Any product package, ad campaign, retail display, publication, or other variety of medium can be linked directly to the multimedia capability of the mobile Web, anytime and anywhere.

Consumers that download the NeoReader on their handsets will have the advantage of a ubiquitous and easy to use program that is both interactive and versatile. Many forms of information and online content can be embedded in barcode symbologies. The NeoReader can scan codes including all common non-proprietary 2D codes, including Data Matrix, QR, Aztec, as well as URL embedded 2D codes, and all traditional 1D UPC open source codes. This allows the NeoReader to function as a universal code reader and allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed.

The technologies behind the NeoReader application combine NeoMedia’s patented resolution technology, and Gavitec's ultra-small footprint and platform-independent code scanning algorithms, Lavasphere. Gavitec's award winning mobile code reading technology, Lavasphere, has been employed in the past few years to recognize 2D codes used in the BBC's Coast Mobile project as well as in other public trials in the UK, namely Hewlett-Packard Laboratories’ Active Print projects in Bristol. Currently, 3 major out of home media companies including UK’s affiliate, Clear Channel, are using the Lavasphere version of the code-reading technology to manage and control their billposting, and reach groundbreaking process optimization through camera phones.

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

NeoMedia Launches Optical Messaging Service

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for wireless devices, is proud to announce the launch of its ground-breaking Optical Messaging Service.

Through the company's patented products and services, NeoMedia enables traditional one-way media such as print, packaging, labels, outdoor and broadcast TV, to generate incremental revenue from their existing offerings through interactive advertising business models. NeoMedia does so by enabling camera phones to directly connect consumers to brand advertisers using a barcode embedded in an advertisement of any kind. NeoMedia's patented platform also ensures that the two-way transactions are reliably completed, controlled, recorded, and billed. The platform ensures that all parties involved in the transaction are accurately compensated by predefined business rules.

NeoMedia's Optical Messaging Service consists of three core components:

* NeoMedia Optical Messaging provides end-to-end solutions for producing, reading and processing optical codes for wireless transactions.

* NeoMedia Access Technology is a complete suite of products including award winning software and hardware for reading and scanning barcodes in the mobile environment.

* NeoMedia Resolution Services provide a robust and reliable set of services and applications behind its Optical Messaging Service.

Through NeoMedia's complete solution, Media companies, Consumers, Businesses, Wireless Operators, and OEMs can harness wireless networks to perform commerce more efficiently and securely. Using camera enabled mobile phones, barcode-reading software (NeoReader) and an interoperable billing, clearing, and settlement infrastructure (NeoServer - OMS/OMI), NeoMedia embraces open standards, full interoperability, and is barcode symbology agnostic. The company's main purpose is to ensure that all transactions requested by end users work as intended, all parties are compensated correctly, and that the technology achieves mass-adoption.

NeoMedia's mobile phone technology, NeoReader, reads and transmits data from 1D and 2D barcodes to its intended destination. The company's Optical Messaging and interchange platforms (OMS and OMI) create, connect, record, and transmit the transactions embedded in the 1D and 2D barcodes, like web URLs, text messages (SMS), and telephone calls - ubiquitously and reliably. NeoMedia provides the industrial and carrier-grade infrastructure to enable reliable, scalable, and billable commerce.

NeoMedia stands out from its competition by embracing existing and developing standards for wireless and barcode technologies, and provides a global infrastructure to resolve these barcodes across multiple wireless providers. NeoMedia also creates the necessary technology to read barcodes presented on phone displays for redemption at points of sale and ticket counters. In doing so, NeoMedia enables a seamless, secure, and industry leading platform for mobile commerce, advertising, and communication.

NeoMedia To Present At Smartphone Summit 07

Smartphone Summit Presents 'Smartphone Enterprise Solutions 2007' San Francisco - An exclusive conference event beginning October 22, 2007 with CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, dedicated to bringing you the top Smartphone based Enterprise Solutions from all Smartphone O/S platforms including Symbian, Microsoft, Palm, Linux, and beyond. The focused attendee demographic includes enterprise executives as well as wireless developers and I.T. professionals.

Throughout the conference attendees will be given the inside track on the ways their business can benefit from the latest Smartphone technologies, solutions, hardware, software, and accessories. The amount of requests for speaking opportunities have been staggering, yet only the most innovative and informative sessions will make it to the conference. Keynote by Platinum Sponsor Symbian.

Please join us in room C2 from 5:00pm - 5:50pm for 'Smartphone Interactivity (Social Networking & Personal Communications) with a special session introduction by NeoMedia Technologies' CEO William J. Hoffman. Join the pioneers taking social networking wireless for an in-depth look at the implications of this technology, including how it may be monetized for ROI of those enabling these experiences, as well as security of the experience.

I had the esteemed pleasure of catching up with NeoMedia Technologies' CEO William J. Hoffman and asked him what people can expect from NeoMedia at this years CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment.

"NeoMedia is excited to introduce a clean and fresh image as the 'global leader in optically initiated transactions for mobile devices.' The future is now, and NeoMedia will lead the industry with their complete offering of mobile solutions.

NeoMedia is very pleased to be participating in CTIA at San Francisco this October because it is the first time NeoMedia will be integrating and showcasing our hardware from Gavitec AG - mobile digit and introducing the long awaited NeoReader, a universal code reading application. NeoMedia Technologies will be very visible at speaker events on the 22nd, including the Smartphone Summit and Mobile Entertainment Summit. At the booth, 1351, there will be live demos of the EXIO for mobile ticketing and couponing, code readers, and company professionals to meet with.

Visit a summit speech and stop by our booth to see what we are all about."

NeoMedia Gears Up For CTIA Wireless 2007

With CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007 just two weeks away, NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, is gearing up to showcase their innovative optical code reading technology and mobile ticketing solutions.

CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, the largest wireless data event in the industry, embodies the ever-changing, dynamic, and innovative world of wireless data in enterprise and in entertainment. CTIA Wireless is the one show that brings key audiences such as enterprise users, solution providers, content owners, and mobile distribution channels together to form strategic partnerships, service industry needs, and create new innovations in wireless data. With over 300 exhibitors and special technology pavilions in mobile entertainment, enterprise mobility, M2M and application development, CTIA Wireless is the most comprehensive expo in wireless data showcasing ground-breaking innovations and creative solutions for enterprise and entertainment.

NeoMedia's flagship qode® platform will be on exhibit at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007 at the Moscone Center South Hall, San Francisco, CA from October 23 to October 25. NeoMedia will be showcasing their industry leading mobile enterprise and optical code reading technology in booth #1351.

NeoMedia's qode platform includes qode®reader and qode®window, providing One Click to Content™ connectivity for products, print, packaging and other physical objects to link directly to specific desired content via the mobile internet. qode®reader works with camera-enabled phones, letting users "click" on 2-dimensional "smartcodes" for a direct connection to desired multimedia information, advertising, promotions and content, etc., and qode®window lets users enter a key word, slogan, barcode number or other unique identifier, for similar connection. NeoMedia's mobile ticketing and couponing solutions were developed by Gavitec, and consists of a back-end system for ticket/coupon generation and validation as well as readers that can be deployed in a stand-alone configuration, integrated into venue turnstiles/entryways, or combined in point-of-sale systems.

All eyes will be on NeoMedia at this years CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment as many in the mobile industry are anticipating the imminent announcement and launch of NeoMedia's newly developed NeoReader application. Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader reads all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec, Maxi) as well as URL embedded 2D codes, and all 1D UPC open source codes. This allows the NeoReader to function as a universal code reader and allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed.

By utilizing NeoMedia's NeoReader technology, camera phones are instantly transformed into universal code readers that can read UPC barcodes and two-dimensional smartcodes simply by clicking with their installed camera phone application. Users connect directly to the mobile Internet without URLs or manually entered links. The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry.

Please join us at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007.