Socket Mobile unveils small, light, 2D attachable barcode scanner

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Socket Mobile unveils small, light, 2D attachable barcode scanner.

Socket Mobile, Inc., provider of mobile productivity solutions, has announced its new model 8Qi 2D Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS). The new 8Qi can scan both 1D 'liner' barcodes and 2D QR codes making the 8Qi an ideal choice in Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) applications where 1D UPC Barcodes, 2D Mobile Coupons or Loyalty Cards need to be scanned.

Approximately the same size as a credit card measuring less than ½ inch (1.27cm) thick and weighing less than two ounces (48g), the CHS 8Qi is claimed by Socket Mobile to be the smallest and lightest 2D barcode scanner available in the market today. It can be attached to most smartphones including the Apple iPhone®, iPod touch and Samsung S4 devices in a 'sled type' configuration solution. The 8Qi slips neatly into your pocket and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand when attached to a smartphone. You can add a lanyard or belt clip for a wearable solution making the 8Qi accessible at any time.

The CHS 8Qi (White‐ SKU# CX3344‐1578) (Black‐ SKU# CX3343‐1577) is the second model in the progression of the CHS Series 8 cordless barcode scanners which are attachable to most smartphones enabling one‐handed professional barcode scanning. The 8Qi is also suited for Mobile Ticketing and high‐end retail environments where 2D barcodes are gaining popularity for security and data capacity. The 8Qi will have a MSRP of $476 in the USA and will be available through Socket Mobile worldwide distribution partners at the end of Q3, 2014. The technical data sheet for the Model 8Qi is available at http://www.socketmobile.com/pdf/data‐collection/chs‐series8_datasheet.pdf. Beta versions of the 8Qi are available now by contacting Vincent Coli, Socket Mobile's Product Manager.

The CHS 8Qi is also supported in Socket Mobile's developer Software Developers' Kit (SDK), allowing developers to embed support for the CHS 8Qi into their applications. Developers can obtain an SDK at: http://socketmobile.com/developer/. SocketScan Keyboard Wedge and SocketCare support is also available.