Just when you thought you’d figured out how to take pictures and read e-mails on your phone, those technology wizards are at it again. This time they want to turn your phone into a shopping tool.
Using software it calls Optical Intelligence, a company called Scanbuy says it can transform any camera phone into a personal barcode scanner which then allows shoppers to scan a product they are interested in, and then through the phone’s Internet connection, gain access to a complete list of the same product’s availability and prices at other retailers. The software would also allow these companies to play a radio or television ad for that product.
Just imagine being in a gourmet store and searching for the ultimate in olive oil. You find it, and then sticker shock: $29 for just one liter. But click further and you could discover a store two blocks away that sells it at a discount. Wondering about the vintage of a particular bottle of wine? Scan the bar code, and the history of that batch is revealed in an instant — along with menu recommendations and pricing.
But what about everyday uses? You could store your entire shopping list, then comparison shop across several stores — and even include e-grocers who deliver — and then select the supermarket who has the best price without even walking down the aisles.
And then with a touch of a button, you could buy that item (pick it up or have it delivered) and pay for it — all through your phone.
Mobile commerce (or “mCommerce”) has been exploding over the last few years. So far, three methods of this payment feature exist and are currently being added to mobile devices:
Stored-value account: Uses a stored-value feature that resides on an embedded computer chip, similar to a smart card, inside the mobile device. Funds would be transferred to the chip and the transaction processing is limited to the point of sale and the cell phone.
Pre-authorized payment: Consumers call a preauthorization number to enroll their cell phone with the payment service. Using their cell phone number with a PIN, the transaction takes place at the retailer similar to debit and credit card transactions.
Text-messaging software: Using the text-messaging software of the device, encrypted payment transactions are sent over the mobile phone network.
Phil Lempert is food editor of the “Today” show. He welcomes questions and comments, which can be sent to