AT&T Code Scanner, Free Mobile Application for Scanning Mobile Barcodes Now Available

AT&T is furthering its innovation with mobile barcodes with the availability of a free mobile application to read barcodes utilizing a variety of mobile devices across multiple platforms including Android and BlackBerry.

The announcement is the latest milestone in AT&T's efforts to develop mobile barcodes into an effective direct response solution for brands and their consumers. To that end, the company is investing in AT&T Mobile Barcode Services, a suite of products and services that enables marketers to provide measurable experiences with their target audience, at the moment of interest.

AT&T Mobile Barcode Services include:

AT&T Code Scanner: a free mobile application which provides a fun and easy way to scan 2D and 1D barcodes found in magazines, stores, and online, unlocking new ways to experience the world. Consumers can download the free application through several app stores including BlackBerry App World and Android Market on their mobile device. AT&T Code Scanner provides consumers with the tool they need to experience a sneak-peak into the exciting potential of this emerging mobile technology.

AT&T Create-a-Code: is a free service that allows consumers to create their own personal mobile barcodes. Mobile barcodes can be created to direct friends and family to a v-card, Facebook account, personal blog or favorite website.

Code Management Platform: built for business to create, manage and measure mobile barcodes campaign experiences for their customers. It is available now for AT&T's Mobile Barcode Charter Program members, with future availability to all business segments.

Consumer barcode scanning represents the next generation of interactive targeted marketing, enabling advertisers to deliver relevant content and offers to consumers, as well as being a valuable and efficient tool for consumers to search for promotions and information using their mobile device.

In a recent United States consumer survey, 80% of respondents indicated interest in scanning barcodes with their mobile phone. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed want to scan barcodes to capture and redeem coupons and discounts.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the formation of a 2D barcode charter program designed to provide AT&T and its customers with a better understanding of the marketing and advertising potential that 2D barcodes offers. AT&T is working closely with the companies presently participating in the program to test consumer response rates as well as the effectiveness of consumer barcode scanning technology as an interactive marketing vehicle.

For more information, click here.

Mobile App Technology Enables Key Vehicle Functions

Thinking about buying a new vehicle? Interested in a 2011 Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC? If so, you will soon be able to control key vehicle functions from your smart phones via OnStar.

Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC are developing brand-specific mobile applications that will leverage OnStar technology to allow vehicle owners to activate all of the functions available on a traditional vehicle key fob – remote start, horn and lights and door lock/unlock - from their smartphones. This means drivers will no longer have to be within a requisite distance, or even have their keys with them, to control these functions on their vehicles.

For example, say someone is racing to catch a flight and realizes at the gate that he forgot to lock his vehicle. OnStar's mobile app technology allows him to sign into his Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC app and send a remote lock signal to his vehicle, giving him the peace of mind to go on with his trip knowing his vehicle is secure.

Or, for example, a family attending a baseball game on a hot summer day could remotely start their vehicle as they are leaving the ballpark, so the vehicle is cooled to a comfortable temperature by the time they reach it.

In addition, the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC apps will leverage OnStar's unique connection to the vehicle to provide key diagnostic information, including fuel tank level and range, remaining oil life, current and recommended tire pressure and lifetime average miles per gallon . The diagnostic information is current as of the last vehicle start, giving OnStar subscribers an up-to-date health report of their vehicle anytime they need it.

Important vehicle information, such as current odometer reading, vehicle VIN and OnStar account number also will be readily accessible within the apps.

Industry-First Integration of Mobile Promotions With Facebook and Twitter

Mozes, the leader in mobile engagement, announced the industry-first integration of mobile promotions and social media. Marketers can now easily create mobile campaigns, like sweepstakes, that will spread virally using the new integrated social media features of Mozes Connect.

Fans can also participate in a variety of other exciting mobile promotions granting them VIP fan access to meet Grammy-award winning stars, attend amazing shows all over the country, and even get signed memorabilia.

Marketers can boost participation rates and encourage sharing of their mobile campaigns by logging in to the Mozes Connect platform and entering their Facebook and Twitter credentials to post customized messages to their pages. Marketers can also increase participation in their campaigns by promoting them to an existing mobile fan list, as well as through the Mozes iPhone application. You can download the free Mozes application for the iPhone or iPod touch here.

For the full press release, click here.

ShopSavvy Finally Comes To The iPhone

ShopSavvy, one of the popular Android applications, is finally available for the iPhone.

Developed by Dallas based Big In Japan, ShopSavvy is an app that allows you to use your device as a portable barcode scanner. A shopper can point his/her phone’s camera at any barcode and it will read it, do a product look up, and give product information, as well as, online or at nearby stores including pricing.

Do retailers hate this? Not at all. Retailers have actually been working with ShopSavvy to come up with ways to allow shoppers to make buying in their stores even easier. All of this information is on the Internet, now ShopSavvy just gives you easy access to it.

With the iPhone 3GS's auto-focus camera, the iPhone now had the ability to scan barcodes. ShopSavvy is available for free in the App Store.

For the full story, click here.

CONNECTIONS SUMMIT Agenda Announced

The CONNECTIONS™ SUMMIT Sessions, January 7, 2010, in Room S225, South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, feature commentary, insight, and debate on successful market strategies and deployment for “digital living” products and services.

Sessions include:
• Consumer Electronics Purchases: Are Consumers Back in the Buying Mood?
• The Connected TV – Displays and Beyond
• Service Provider Strategies for the Connected Home
• The Mobile Aspect of Unified Infotainment: Opportunities and Challenges
• Advances in Television Advertising
• Bringing the Smart Grid to the Smart Home
• 3D: Adding New Dimensions to Entertainment

More info at: www.connectionssummit.com

AT&T & Apple Being Investigated By FCC On Google Voice App

Because AT&T rejected Google’s voice application for the iPhone, the Federal Communications Commission has opened an investigation into the telco giant as well as Apple.

Was is rejected because it duplicates an app that already comes with the iPhone? However, AT&T stated they do not manage or approve applications for the App Store.

The FCC has sent a letter to all three companies involved: AT&T, Apple and Google. To view these letters, click here.

Pre-show Summit at CONNECTIONS™ addresses market challenges for service providers

Pivot Media to host Pre-show Telecom Executive Summit--

Parks Associates today announced telecom consulting firm Pivot Media will host a pre-show event Telecom Executive Summit@CONNECTIONS: Digital DNA for Service Providers on the first day of CONNECTIONS™: The Digital Living Conference and Showcase.

CONNECTIONS™, hosted by Parks Associates, will take place June 2-4, 2009, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This executive conference and showcase attracts senior executives from all industries associated with the digital home, new media and content distribution, and mobile applications and services.

The summit will be hosted on June 2, prior to the CONNECTIONS™ opening keynote from Glenn Lurie, President, Emerging Devices and Resale, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. Now that Supercomm is delayed until October 2009, this year’s CONNECTIONS™ event provides an excellent opportunity for telecom executives to gather in early Summer and chart a future course for the rest of the year and beyond.

Pivot Media’s Telecom Executive Summit will feature executives from leading telecom carriers. Session topics include experiences in the digital transition, the challenges in becoming a content provider, the applications key to success, and opportunities in the digital home for improving customer relations and growing ARPU.

Pivot Media’s areas of focus include the independent telecom sector, broadband, IP convergence, IPTV, digital media, and broadband wireless. Pivot Media leverages its telecom industry research, analysis, and knowledge base to help clients recognize and maximize business opportunities.

For more information on CONNECTIONS™ and the Pivot Media Telecom Executive Summit, visit www.connectionsconference.com and www.pivot-media.com.