You may have seen them on BestBuy.com, or on signs in our retail stores: two-dimensional images that look similar to traditional bar codes, but are irregular and often square. Ever wonder what they are? They’re Mobile Codes!
What is a Mobile Code?
A Mobile Code is any two-dimensional (DataMatrix or QR code) or linear bar code (UPC) which can be read by a smart phone, linking the physical world with the on-line world. Some bar code symbologies are in the public domain, such as UPC and DataMatrix and some symbologies are proprietary (e.g. Microsoft’s Tag and EZ codes). Bar Code scanners today are “image scanners,” and since most smart phones have cameras built into them, we can now use them as personal bar code scanners!
Do I need software to read a Mobile Code?
Yes. The Best Buy Mobile App is free software you can download to your phone that contains a bar code reader. The reader will scan UPC and QR codes for products carried by Best Buy. To download the reader, simply follow these instructions:
1) Text “APP” to 332211. (Message and data rates may apply.)
2) Click on the link that is returned
3) Download and install the Best Buy Mobile App on your phone
4) Launch the app, push the Product Scan button, and hover the phone over the code.
Try this one:
You can also download the app through several platform-specific app stores:
- iPhone via Apple App Store
- Android Phone via Google Play
- Windows Phone and Touch Screen PC via Microsoft App Store
Additional app features can be found on http://www.BestBuy.com/App.
What phones are supported?
The Best Buy Mobile App is available on most iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile devices. It is also available for Touch Screen PCs. iPad version coming soon!
What service plans will I need?
The service relies on a data plan from your provider or the free Wi-Fi network available in each of our retail stores. The amount of bandwidth consumed varies based on the product experience rendered. If you do not have an unlimited data plan, please plan accordingly. Remember, watching videos can use more bandwidth than viewing mobile web pages.
What type of bar codes can I scan with the Best Buy Mobile App?
The Best Buy Mobile App reads QR (Quick Response) Codes, which are the square two-dimensional bar codes with the three smaller squares in the upper right and left of the bar code and in the lower left. The Best Buy Mobile App can also read UPC codes (the codes used at cash registers in stores). The app does not currently read Data Matrix codes which are square two-dimensional codes, but they don’t have the three smaller squares in them.
What will happen when I scan the Mobile Code?
After reading a Best Buy Mobile Code, you will be taken to a mobile web page that contains item specific information. You can use the Best Buy Mobile App to compare a number of products or narrow your selection of items based on parameters you select while in the store.
Is there any personal information involved?
No personal information is obtained from your phone. If you have the Best Buy Mobile App and have logged in, your My Best Buy membership information may be used to create a personalized experience.
How do mobile codes work?
The Best Buy Mobile App includes the software required to turn your phone into a scanner. All you need to do is initiate the scanner and hover the phone over the code. The app scans the code and launches the corresponding experience. It’s the best of both worlds: you can be online and in the store at the same time!
How do I save the data for use later?
On the iPhone and Android, add the product to your cart. Products added to your cart are available until removed. A list of recently viewed products can also be accessed through the main app menu.
What prices will I see on my mobile device?
You will see our regular BestBuy.com prices. In some cases they may vary from the in-store price.
