iPhone gets bar code reader

Scanbuy has created an application called ScanLife that lets users quickly scan the bar codes and automatically be redirected to the product's Web site, says iPhone Buzz.

All users have to do is download the application from the App Store. Then, when they come across an EZcode to scan, they just take a picture of it with the camera phone and an action will launch that is attached to the code.

EZcodes can launch Web sites, take users to a specific song on iTunes or even open up a YouTube video.

Jones Apparel group announced that one of its retailer divisions, Nine West, would soon start an item-level trial programme using radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, says Network World.

The goal of the pilot programme, which will commence in select Nine West stores, "will be to study the benefits that item-level RFID provides in the areas of enhanced productivity, customer service and inventory accuracy," stated Jones Apparel executives.

Nine West is treading where many retailers and consumer-product goods manufacturers, such as Wal-Mart, Procter & Gamble, Gillette and Kimberly-Clark, have been for years.

Students at 48 Chicago high schools will be issued a combined school ID and CTA reduced-fare smart card this year, says Chicago Tribute.

The initiative, aimed at increasing transit use among students and cutting CTA administrative costs in the existing reduced-fare programme, will be expanded to all Chicago public high schools within 18 months, said Lydia Murray, chief of staff to CTA president Ron Huberman.

About 90 000 Chicago high school students are eligible to ride CTA buses and trains at the reduced fare of 85 cents, and 15 cents for a transfer, on school days.