 
10-28-2005
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This edition of FlicWatch Developer Newsletter presents you with:
Events:
WebmasterWorld PubCon
Las Vegas Renaissance, Nevada
If you are going and would like to meet, please let us know
NACS SHOW 2005
November 15-18, 2005
Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada
If you are going and would like to meet, please let us know
Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels
November 5th, 2005
Ottery St Mary, South West, England
This looks like a burning good time if you’re in the area.
Image courtesy of Clifford and Helen Bridges
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Flic Tip
Flic Scanner Batch Mode Extends Your Reach
Do you ever find that those pesky cables on your bar code scanner just aren’t long enough? Do your customers complain about bringing unwieldy objects like crates, boxes, or stacks of things to the scanner rather than the scanner to the items? Well then take a look at the Flic Laser Bar Code Scanner. The Flic Scanner has batch mode capability that allows you to unplug the scanner, scan the items, and store the data in scanner memory. Upon return to the computer, simply plug in the scanner and the bar codes are automatically transferred to the application.
Applications utilizing this feature include Records Management, tracking of files, folders and boxes; media collection, tracking of DVDs, CDs, and books; and wine collecting.
Smead Software Solutions uses the Flic Scanner with the Smeadlink® line of applications. The limited range of a tethered scanner presented problems when scanning large boxes, file cabinets or even room locations. With the Flic Scanner users can take the scanner to an object or location, scan bar codes, and bring that information back to their workstation providing more accurate and up-to-date information.
Bitz & Pixelz's Collectorz.com applications use the Flic Scanner to help organize media collections. You can keep track of all of your media, including DVDs, CDs and books. Know what you have so you don’t buy another copy of Batman Begins. Record when you’ve loaned out that favorite book. Just scan the bar codes off of the items on your bookshelf and take the scanner back to your computer. Download the bar codes and then look up the information using online databases. Collectorz.com does all the work and loads titles, images and other information in your collection for you.
Does your application benefit from batch mode scanner? Submit story.
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You Ask, We Answer
By Tony Cataldo
What is the latest version of Flic Scanner firmware?
Microvision will soon be releasing a Flic Scanner firmware update. While most applications will be unaffected by these changes, the new firmware offers some great new features and options like field upgradeable firmware and an extended memory option.
One of the big (and really cool) changes to the Flic Scanner is the field update feature. Firmware upgrades to the current Flic Scanner firmware must be done at the factory. This change allows you to update the scanner firmware in the field. This modification required some minor hardware changes so current Flic Scanners with firmware V1.18 or earlier for batch/tethered scanners or V2.9 or earlier for cordless scanners cannot be upgraded to the new firmware. A future newsletter will contain details about performing a field firmware upgrade on scanners with the new firmware.
Scanners with the new firmware, V1.32 and V2.32 (cordless), will still store upwards of 500 UPC-A bar codes. Another new feature is the option to purchase a version of the scanner with over 4000 bar code capacity. Targeted for applications such as tradeshow lead retrieval, media collection (for large collections), or inventory, this version of the scanner is available only to resellers.
Some other feature enhancements with the new version of firmware include:
- User ID field allows 16 ASCII characters (Current User ID supports 8 characters).
- 5 second awake time after receiving a command (Current awake time is 3 seconds).
- Faster wakeup time – less than 50ms (current delay is 0.75 seconds).
Applications that use the current Flic Scanner SDK should require no changes to the source code to support the new firmware. To take advantage of the latest features, upgrade to the newest Flic Scanner SDK by visiting http://www.flicscanner.com/developers_corner.html and clicking on Flic SDK Request.
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Flic Developer Resources
Take advantage of this Special Coupon to Evaluate the Flic Scanner for your Application. Integrate the Flic Scanner into your application. Request free SDK
Check out the Compatibility Matrix.
Report device compatibility issues or successes.
Flic Support. Need Help?
Flic News
Company Information
Newsletter Archives:
Developer Newsletter: 8-23-2005
Developer Newsletter: 7-19-2005
Developer Newsletter: 6-9-2005
Developer Newsletter: 5-3-2005
Request to be a featured developer
Do you have an application that you would like us to showcase? Send us an email.
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Partner with Microvision
What is the FlicMate Partner Program?
 The FlicMate(TM) Partner Program is designed to assist interested parties in providing customers with complete solutions that include the Flic Scanner. Microvision works with software developers, OEMs, distributors, consultant, and system integrators to develop solutions that complement the Flic Scanner product family.
The FlicMate Partner Program comes in two sizes, Associate Partner and Premier Partner. These two levels of partnership provide the flexibility needed to meet the evolving needs of a partner’s business and represents Microvision’s commitment to develop lasting relationships.
Partner Benefits |
Associate |
Premier |
Support Services |
|
|
Access to Partner Program Manager |
YES |
YES |
Product training |
YES |
YES |
Access to Technical Support Manager |
5 hours / year |
20 hours / year |
Technical support |
(email & web) |
(email, web & phone) |
Dedicated development training¹ |
$1,500 / day |
$1,000 / day |
Beta Program Access |
× |
YES |
Sales & Marketing Support |
|
|
Pre-sales product support |
YES |
YES |
Joint sales calls / Presentations |
YES |
YES |
Lead sharing and product recommendations |
YES |
YES |
Sales and marketing literature |
Electronic copies |
Printed & electronic copies |
Trade show support² |
YES |
YES |
Marketing Tools |
|
|
Posting partner on Microvision Partner Website |
YES |
Preferred Positioning |
Joint press releases |
YES |
YES |
Use of partner program and MVIS logo |
YES |
YES |
Co-marketing activities² |
YES |
YES |
Product Tools |
|
|
Flic bar code scanner(s) & accessories bundle |
1 |
2 |
Flic SDK |
YES |
YES |
Flicware Wedge Software |
YES |
YES |
Flicprint Software |
YES |
YES |
Additional demo & development products & accessories (NOT FOR RESALE) |
Discounted 20% |
Discounted 40% |
Cost |
$1,500 value at no cost |
$5,000 value available for $1,000 |
¹Dedicated development training is hosted at Microvision headquarters in Bothell, Washington. Travel, lodging and other related expenses are the partner’s responsibility.
²Call Microvision for more details regarding trade show and co-marketing support programs. Premier partners have access to co-op marketing funds based upon availability for trade shows and other co-marketing activities including marketing literature, case studies, direct marketing, etc. Co-marketing funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Premier Partners.
Get your Solutions Amplified!
Help us get you noticed! Provide us with your partner profile so that we can pump up the volume on your solution to the marketplace. We can help drive prospective customers to you through our various marketing initiatives, including the Flic Scanner Solutions Guide and targeted search engine advertising.
Provide us with a demo and information about your software, and we’ll put it in lights! All we need you to do is answer a few questions. All you need to do is answer a few questions. Highlight the text in the field below, copy and paste into an email, answer the questions, and send to Jacques_Lincoln@microvision.com.
For more information on the FlicMate Partner Program, please visit http://www.flicscanner.com/flicmate_overview.html.
Microvision Earns RIM BlackBerry® Alliance Membership
 Microvision recently became a BlackBerry ISV Alliance Program member.
Research In Motion (RIM) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market.
RIM's portfolio of award-winning products is used by thousands of organizations around the world and includes the BlackBerry wireless platform, software development tools, and software/hardware licensing agreements.
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Flic Fact
Did you know that Microvision provides resellers and OEMs with branded and unbranded scanners?
Microvision allows you the flexibility to provide your customers with your own branded scanner. Companies private labeling Microvision scanners include Serialio.com, Bitz & Pixelz, Smead Corporation, and more.
If you are interested in private label opportunities please contact us for additional details including badge size and options, drawing to accommodate your artwork, and potential vendor.
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Flic Beat
Microvision recently exhibited at Mobile Business Expo and overheard these attendees discussing the Flic Scanner outside at Navy Pier, Chicago.
Captain Flic Beard:
“Arrr! Have ye seen this Flic Scanner ye Bilge rat?”
Gnarly Old Sailer:
“Avast! I’m no rat, now fetch me some grog you land lubber”
Captain Flic Beard:
“Aye aye, just after I’m done scanning me treasure with the Flic Scanner!”
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