What's New?
Welcome to the September (Back to School, Summer is nearly over) edition of the FlicWatch Developer Newsletter. In this issue we showcase the various levels of bar code scanning software tools for Windows, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Palm, Linux, Mac, and Symbian. We also showcase a multi-partner iDen deployment.
Scanner Wedge users recently provided feedback on which applications they bar code enable using simple connectivity software like Scanner Wedge. The wide range of applications is a testiment to the versatility of the scanner and supporting software tools.
Microvision goes beyond creating Simple and Affordable bar code scanners. The refreshed Microvision corporate web site shows visitors how we are working with partners to create new experiences. For example, turning a mobile phone into a projector to create a large viewing experience. Check out our recent development agreement with mobile device giant, Motorola.
We've been asked recently "What changes with the Microvision SDK for BlackBerry upon the ROV ™ Scanner release." Look for the answer in "You Ask, We Answer".
Lastly, a ROV Scanner was recently observed in New York City preparing for its unveiling at Mobile Business Expo on October 22nd through the 26th. We've provided you a coupon for 20% off should you wish to attend. If you do attend please stop by booth #811 to say hello and see the ROV Scanner in person.
Regards,
The Bar Code Scanner Team at Microvision
Upcoming Events
Mobile Business Expo
October 22 - 26, 2007
New York, New York
http://www.mobilebusinessexpo.com/
If you're interested in attending, click here to learn more about the show and receive a coupon for a FREE Expo Pass or a 20% off coupon for Conference passes.
Raindance Film Festival
September 25 - October 7, 2007
Haymarket, London, UK
If we submitted a film, we'd name it: "Simple, Affordable, Connected" - starring the ROV Scanner.
Flic Fact: Connect With Confidence!
The team here at Microvision has been working around the clock to ensure that ROV Scanner users will be able to connect with confidence. What does this mean? It means there will be multiple paths of scanner “connectivity” based on the needs of the user.
Simple Connectivity |
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Simple connectivity adds bar code scanning to your application in minutes with no custom integration required. Simply open your application, scan bar codes and watch as the numbers appear on your screen. |
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Scanner Wedge Software |
USB Cable (in Keyboard Mode) |
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Simple software allows you to scan bar codes into any application that accepts keyboard input. Scan a bar code and watch the data transfer into your application as if it were typed into a keyboard. Works with USB, serial and Bluetooth. Platforms: Windows, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry |
Provides true plug ‘n’ play operation. Installs automatically and looks like a USB keyboard. Scan a bar code and watch the data transfer into your application as if it were typed into a keyboard. No software required. Coiled cable also available. Platforms: Windows XP, 2000, Mac OS X, Linux |
Enhanced Connectivity |
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Enhanced connectivity provides more control over scanned data with the same ease of entering data as though it was entered through the keyboard. Users gain advanced data control such as: character stripping, application targeting, quantity, and more. |
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SerialMagic Pro Software |
USB Cable (In VCOM Mode) |
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Enhanced software that allows you to scan bar codes into any application that accepts keyboard input. In addition to features found in Scanner Wedge, SerialMagic Pro offers improved data control and application targeting. |
The cable provides a virtual COM port for advanced scanning (typically an application that controls the connection with the scanner). Free Driver download required. Coiled cable also available. |
Advanced Connectivity |
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Advanced connectivity gives developers full control of scanner features not enabled by simple or enhanced connectivity tools. Interface the scanner to your application via a simplified Microvision SDK or the SerialMagic Pro API interface. |
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Microvision SDK |
SerialMagic Pro API interface |
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Microvision offers a new, simplified SDK for developers who wish to integrate the ROV Scanner into applications. The SDK includes language specific files, documentation and sample code. |
SerialMagic API is a feature of SerialMagic Pro that bypasses the keyboard and sends data directly to your application via an OS event. Requires integration. |
Partner Spotlight - iDen Success Story
Bar Code Solution Increases Student Safety
Using a multi-partner iDen mobile bar code solution, a large public school district in the state of Maryland is now armed with up-to-date, real-time visibility of special needs student and bus locations around the region.
Increased Student Safety – Real time visibility to student and bus location
Improved Workflow – Scan & send capability replaces paper forms and manual data entry
Maximized Reimbursement – Bar code data collection and electronic transfer enables accurate and timely Medicaid submission and reimbursement
See all Microvision Case Studies >>
Do you have a success story you'd like to share?
When facing make vs. buy decisions on applicatio
ns, Microvision Scanner users are afforded maximum flexibility through multiple connectivity solutions. Many users have chosen to utilize Microvision’s Scanner Wedge software and an existing off the shelf application rather than developing functionality using a Microvision SDK. A recent survey of Scanner Wedge users across Windows, Windows Mobile and BlackBerry platforms revealed a wide variety of applications that users have bar code enabled using simple connectivity software. Here are a few of the results.
“A custom BlackBerry application for part searches.” – Dean L.
“Custom wine inventory software.” – Jon N.
“Consignment shop software.” – Lynne M.
“I rent out my inventory to stage a home and want to be able to track outgoing and returning products.” – JoAnn E.
“I check in UPS for the college and keep a ledger of who receives packages and who sent the package.” – Pam S.
“Scanning bar codes to get serial numbers of AVAYA circuit packs / modules.” – Arvin S.
“Winbas, a point of sale application.” – Milad M.
“MS Excel, Word, and several other serial number tracking programs.” – Scott C.
“Tracking deployments/returns of company owned assets.” – John S.
“Web form for sales.” – Allan J.
“NeatOPrice - Price Lookup Application.” – Ines S.
“theArtofBooks.com - our inventory listing, management, and fulfillment website.” – Anita R.
Thanks to all those who filled out the survey!
The Microvision.com website has been remodeled. The location is the same but there are plenty of structural improvements and fresh paint throughout. If you haven’t already done so, please check it out at www.microvision.com. Here you will find more about the company, its partners and employees, and how we are working together to transform peoples’ everyday experiences.
In addition to Bar Code Scanners we are working on Wearable Displays, Pico Projector Displays, and Vehicle Displays. Also, upon the ROV Scanner release, the content on www.flicscanner.com will be migrating to the Bar Code Scanners section on www.microvision.com.
As always if you have any input to make the website or this developer newsletter more effective for you please let us know.
In late July Microvision announced an agreement with Motorola to develop pico projector display solutions for mobile applications that leverage Microvision's ultra-miniature laser based PicoP™ display engine.
The PicoP™ display engine, embedded into a mobile device, is expected to enable a "big screen" viewing experience. Next generation devices that boast projection capabilities will create new viewing experiences for consumers of mobile devices.
While we cannot tell you specific terms of the agreement we can say the companies are working together initially to integrate Microvision's latest PicoP display engine inside a functioning mobile device for demonstration purposes. This prototype handset will project a WVGA image (854 x 480 color pixels). Stay tuned.
Read Press Release
Learn more about Pico Projector Displays
View Pico Projector Application Gallery
Question: What changes with the Microvision SDK for BlackBerry upon the ROV Scanner release?
Ask and you shall receive! The ROV Scanner with Bluetooth uses a new communication protocol – XSP (eXtensible Scanner Protocol); gone are the Legacy and Plus modes found in the Flic Cordless Scanner. The new SDK is simpler, yet more powerful than its predecessor, to take advantage of this new protocol.
Read the online guide to get started developing, installing and deploying BlackBerry applications.
The new Microvision ROV Scanner was recently spotted in New York, preparing for its first public unveiling at the upcoming Mobile Business Exposition on October 22nd.
A Papparazzi snapped this photo of the ROV Scanner peeking down at pedestrians on the street below the Empire State Building. For your own look at the ROV Scanner, come visit us at Mobile Business Expo in October.
Developer FAQ
Case Studies
Three ways to put the Flic Scanner to work for you right now.
Purchase SerialMagic Pro.
Purchase Scanner Wedge for BlackBerry.
Check out the Compatibility Matrix.
Report device compatibility issues or successes.
Flic Developer Support - Need Help?
Flic® is a registered trademark and ROV ™ is a trademark of Microvision, Inc. BlackBerry® is a registered trademark of Research in Motion, Ltd. Windows® and Windows Mobile® are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc. Symbian® is a registered trademark of Symbian Software Limited. Palm® is a registered trademark of Palm, Inc.
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