July 18, 2005
Barcodes On The Beach With BBC's New Mobile Content Service
The BBC has teamed up with Hewlett-Packard Labs and Gavitec to provide a digital collaboration based around the BBC Two series,
Coast, 39 new interactive walks exploring the past, present and future of the UK's coast - including 12 you can follow using your mobile phone.
According to Digital Lifestyle, "the trial will allow roving ramblers to reach for their phone and call up site-specific extra audio and WAP content from the programme using "visual triggers" and their mobiles phones.
The system employs data codes - which look much the same as your average barcode on a tin of beans - and hikers with Series 60 camera phones will be able to read these codes and connect directly to BBC content.
The BBC trial will involve placing the data codes on plaques at 100 locations around the UK. Users will need to download the free HP and Gavitec-developed software from bbc.co.uk to access the service.
Less well-equipped trampling travellers can access a rich WAP site by texting COAST to 81010, while harassed parents may be able to earn some peace by letting their kids take part in the SMS text quiz provided."
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