Toshiba Corp. has developed software that lets shoppers use their phones to check the reputations of products on the Internet. Shoppers only need to use the phone’s built-in digital camera to take a photo of the product bar-code label. The service will cover products that consumers are particularly concerned about, including consumer electronics products, food, books, CDs, DVDs and cosmetics. Commercial application is expected to begin in fiscal 2006 after further testing at electric appliance retailers and bookstores from February. 

Toshiba categorized about 500,000 Japanese words into fields such as travel and culture, and classified words related to evaluation as good or bad. A similar service is already being provided by a Sony Corp. affiliate. Continue

Related posts:

1. New Camera Phone Bar Code System
2. Japanese Use Cell Phone QR Bar Code Readers to Check Food Safety
3. Language Translations Via Camera Phone
4. DoCoMo to Introduce P505iS: World’s First Auto-Focus Camera Phone
5. IDC Doubtful on 2 Megapixel Camera Phone Rollout

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!