Mar 12 2009
Android App Scans DVD Bar Codes, Starts BitTorrent Download
Users can be out shopping, for example, at the local Walmart buying diapers for little Johnnie. Johnnie’s dad can hit Walmart’s video section, use the G1 Android phone camera to snap a picture of a DVD barcode and voila: Search results of where the flick could be pilfered for free would immediately be sent to Johnnie’s dad, who could then download the video to the web UI of uTorrent while he’s combing the aisles carrying a crying baby searching for the right pacifier and diaper-rash treatment.
Johnnie’s dad arrives home, and the free flick of his choice is ready to view.
This makes me wonder why libraries don’t have a similar option. Obviously, torrenting movies is illegal but why not develop an application / mobile site so that users can take a picture of the bar code and place that item on hold. Even better place that item on a queue just like Netflix so that the patron will automatically have the information mailed to them. The only mobile application I’ve seen for libraries is the one developed by DC public libraries.
Hurrah for alternative OPAC interfaces! I’m very pleased to let you know that the DCPL iPhone app went live last night. You can download it from the iTunes app store here. Functionality in this version includes:
- searching for library materials
- seeing an item’s cover and reading a summary
- placing a hold for pickup at the location of your choice
- finding the hours, locations and phone numbers of DC public libraries
The compare everywhere app (http://compare-everywhere.com/) for the android has a similar, but more commercial function.
it takes the bare code and searches for online retailers and local stores that have the item.
While i haven’t seen it in action, they *say* it includes local public libraries.
Compare Everywhere seems really interesting!
I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks for the information Chris!