The barcode-scanning, price-comparing iPhone app that has rocked our world
Goodbye High Street shopping, it was nice knowing you.
As it’s been a couple of days since we ran an iPhone story, we thought we should come back with a scorcher. It’s about an app that has rocketed to the top of the charts since it was released a couple of days ago and should be a must for any bargain-crazy Bitterwallet reader.
It’s RedLaser 2.2, a realtime scanner (no need to take a photo first) that will read a barcode and give you an instant price comparison of your item of choice. Then, if you find a price you’re happy with, you can link straight through to the seller of your choice. Expect to see Britain’s stores fill up with browsing shoppers scanning stuff they'd like to buy cheaper online later on. Gosh.
But it’s not only for price comparisons – imagine you’re looking at a book or DVD in your local emporium and you want to know what some freaks on the Internet think about it. Scan the barcode and within seconds you’ll be at Amazon or a similar site, reading witty and informative reviews such as “This is the greatest film ever made… and I’m 19 so I should know” or “The author of this book should have his skin removed and then be thrown into a river of vinegar. The author not the skin.”
So we tested it out and it works on er, some things. After trying it on a few items that were lying around the Bitterwallet HQ, we’ve realised that it’s good for comparing the prices of CDs, games, books and DVDs but not so hot when it comes to tins of Dulux paint, bags of Pom-Bear crisps and bottles of Robinsons’ blackcurrant cordial. Still, it’s early days, and who the hell buys their Pom-Bear crisps online anyway?
As well as being able to read barcodes, you can also type in UPC or EAN codes and email search results hither and thither if you should feel the need. It’s available in the app store for only £1.19 at the moment and once its database of comparable online stores grows, it’ll become an invaluable shopping tool.
iPhone app of the year. Until the next great one that comes along…
Below: The previous RedLaser 2.0 - it didn't read European codes and was therefore useless. But you'll get the gist...
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