Camera phones become ad tools

The Monterey Herald describes how Mobot (mentioned earlier this week) turns today's popular camera phones into a system for getting free samples and entering sweepstakes by snapping pictures of print advertising
.
"The recently launched service is on display in this month's edition of Jane, the fashion and lifestyle magazine aimed at 20-ish women.

As readers leaf through the September edition, they can use their camera phones to snap a picture of ads that promote special offers, including free Ralph Lauren perfume, a music video disc sponsored by General Motors Inc.'s Saturn car unit, a sweepstakes for free Calvin Klein dungaree jackets, and even a free sample of Trojan condoms.

Readers who have registered their cellphone number, home address, and other data at a Mobot.com website then transmit the picture from their phone to Jane@Mobot.com. Mobot software decodes the image, registers the phone number it is coming from, correlates the image to an advertising offer, and then arranges to mail a freebie to the subscriber's address or enter her in a contest. Mobot hopes to extend the technology to billboards by early next year.

More than 60 advertisers have signed up to participate in the ''Jane Talks Back'' promotional service, which magazine vice president and publisher Eva Dillon said was an easy sell to advertisers. Jane has a circulation of 700,000."

emily | 3:24 PM | How people and businesses are using cameraphones |
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