As it turns out, any barcode app can read XPAND Code.
Many people assume that "XPAND Code can only be read via a dedicated app or dedicated website", but in fact any app that can read the type of barcode found on retail products (JAN/EAN codes) can also read XPAND Code.
QR code readers, too, often use a scanning engine that supports JAN codes, which means that the majority of barcode readers in common use are capable of reading XPAND Code.
This is because the data stored in an XPAND Code is simply a 13-digit numerical ID.
However, in order to carry out the processing that happens after scanning (i.e. displaying the content corresponding to the sign), the scanned ID must be sent to the XPAND.CODES server.
For this reason, with most barcode readers, things currently stop at the following stage:
(1) Scan the XPAND Code
↓
↓ ←— Stops here
↓
(2) Post-scan processing (displaying the content corresponding to the sign)
Bridging step (1) to step (2) is very straightforward.
All that is needed is to add a process to the app that sends the scanned ID to the XPAND.CODES server.
The development work itself requires only around one line of code to be added to the source, with no modules or the like needing to be integrated.
We currently offer the "Open Connection Programme" to make it easy for any app to become XPAND Code compatible.
App publishers and developers who are interested are very welcome to get in touch.
Users who would like their favourite reader app to support XPAND Code are encouraged to request this from the app publisher.