Mobile Technologies : Adding More Value to Print

For now, Valpak and Cox are content with utilizing the generic, nonproprietary 2D barcode to boost recognition and establish a comfort level for consumers. He is bullish on future mobile platforms and says his firm is planning for the day that mobile overtakes desktop views.

Valpak/Cox has also embraced Augmented Reality. In 2011, Valpak coupons became available on the junaio app via geographically targeted coupons that pop up on consumers’ smart phones. This app launches the smart phone’s camera and GPS to overlay a set of 3D icons in real-time, showing the available coupons in the vicinity as the user scans the surroundings. It has a target radius of about 20 miles. The app, available on iTunes and used with Android devices, was created by AR technology giant metaio.