strangnet.tech

I just found a really good barcode reader for Symbian Phones. I’m most probably late to the party, but better late than sorry.

I’ve previously used the built-in code reader that comes with newer Nokia phones, simply titled Barcode, but it only supports those 2d codes you see pop-up here and there (for example in my left column here on the blog). A featue it is lacking is to be able to scan EAN codes you find on products you buy, so for those needs I’ve used a free software called ZebraScan.

Now enter UpCode – an application that does both. It’s easy to install and almost easier to operate. Just point and it even shoots on its own. If it’s a 2d barcode it launches your web browser, or whatever the code is meant to do, and if you shoot a 1d code (EAN), it saves it to the clipboard so that you could paste it into a document or a search field on a web site.

According to their web site, it supports a plethora of phones (tested on 292 models) either as a native Symbian application or in Java.

Now if it only was able to launch a list of web sites, pre-chosen or by the user, that could use the scanned EAN- or ISBN-code for price comparison – it’d be awesome.

I’ve just realised that I have so many ideas that I want to implement and code, but so little time.

The Passage of Time by ToniVC

Some of them are for Symbian, primarily Nokia phones, which I have to learn (something I’m intending to do during summer).

Some ideas I have are for Java, and lastly I’m trying to get a hang of building Adobe AIR apps with Flex Builder¹.

One thing in common is that I plan to build a weather app, that will have versions in all three platforms. If I only could squeeze in another few hours per day – the 24-hour day seems sooo 1900’s…

1. If you are a Student, you can apply for a free license for Flex Builder Professional – saves you $249. [↩]