Downloading and Using a Bar Code Scanner

Here’s an even slicker way to download apps from the Web—scan a bar code. All you need is your PC or Mac and a free bar code app on your Galaxy Tab. You then browse the Web, and when you come across a file you want to download, point your camera at the onscreen bar code, and the app downloads to your Tab.

First you need to get one of the many bar code scanner apps. One highly rated, popular app is called Barcode Scanner, from Zxing Team—and it’s free, as well. (Barcode Scanner does a lot more than just let you download apps. It can also scan a bar code on a product, identify the product, and send you to web pages with more information about it, including reviews and places to buy.)

After you install the scanner app on your Tab, you’re ready to go. Many web-based Android libraries and developer websites have bar codes next to the app descriptions, so you can easily download them.

When you come across a bar code for downloading an app, run Barcode Scanner, and then point your Tab’s camera at the bar code, centering it in the window in the middle of the viewfinder. The app quickly recognizes the bar code and shows you the information it contains, including the web page’s URL. At the bottom of the screen, tap “Open browser,” and the file downloads just as if you’d tapped a download link. You can then install the app in the usual way.

Tip

You can also share the link to the app with others by tapping either “Share via email” or “Share via SMS.” If you do that, you don’t send the app or the bar code, but a link to the page.

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