Evan Martin (evan) wrote in evan_tech,
Evan Martin
evan
evan_tech

barcode scanning

Word is that Amazon Japan launched a tool that lets people scan barcodes in stores with their cell phone cameras and get Amazon prices. I recall someone did this as a demo using the Amazon API a while back. Apparently they've integrated it now.

After the standard "this is awesome" (which I do believe), I've gotta say: this really sucks for traditional retailers. Amazon can always offer lower prices because they don't have to maintain storefronts.
But this has always been the case, even before this feature; you go to your local TV/furniture/etc. store, look through the products and make your decision, and then go home and buy it off the internet for cheaper. What'll ultimately happen to "normal" stores?
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