Description

Smartphone cameras are not solely for making photos. When used in conjuction with specific applications, they can also be used to identify a product by its barcode which can then be compared to similar products, comparing prices between the two. A smartphone camera can also scan a QR codes, which can have encoded texts, URLs or other data. The Barcode Scanner app allows us to do just that, but lets have a closer look at it.

Functions & Design

After starting the app up for the first time, the user will be shown a very short tutorial on how to use the app, then from there it will throw you right in and you can start scanning away. When going into the main interface, you will see through your camera lens plus a clearer box in the middle of the screen with a red horizontal line through it. Too scan a barcode all one has to do is line the red line up with a barcode, leave it there for a few seconds so the camera lens can scan it, then you’ll hear a beep and your done. It is possible through the settings menu to change the beep to a vibrate instead if you wish. Once scanned the app will allow you to search for the product over the internet or over Google Shopper.

Also there is a history button, where the app will save barcodes you have previously scanned and through the settings menu there are various settings the user can adjust to suit them.

Conclusion

The barcode scanner works in almost every case, and is particularly good when scanning QR codes. This free to download app is almost a standard app in any Android users app inventory, as scanning QR codes can sometimes be very handy. And plus why not, it’s free!The test was carried out with version 3.5.2 of the Barcode Scanner.