Bar Code Pilot Has Mixed Success at Case Western

Mobile Discovery, based in Reston, Va., is running a pilot that uses bar codes posted around Case Western Reserve University to deliver (for a fee) information to those who scan them with their cell phones. The most used app? When’s the bus coming? Another hot topic? A graphic in a presentation made by chief executive of Mobile Discovery David H. Miller in a class that showed a woman with such a code on her jeans. The graphic prompted some discussion in class and an article in the school paper questioning such a message.

Unfortunately, there’s not been too much interest, thus far, though details are not available from the company. The article from ZDnet notes that many blame the cost. I think part of the issue is that many of the promotions are not really tied to the location. The bus example and alas the implication of the jean’s example, are strictly location-based. You want to know when the bus is coming if you are at that location. I’ll let you all figure out the other one. But, would you scan an ad just anywhere for a movie trailer? Or to enter a contest? The location is not compelling (unless you are bored there, I guess). The other challenge for me at least? Knowing when the bus is coming should be free - and posted at the bus stop and the ‘net!

One other issue - if our phones are moving toward knowing where we are - why do we need barcodes? I figure in time my phone will know when I head toward say Porter Square in Cambridge eventually it will know my routine (take the bus every Mon/Wed/Fri) and let me know that the 77 is ten minutes away from “my stop.”