But Slice is also limited in tracking everything you buy, since it can't account for gifts (via barcode scanning, for example), or items bought with cash or at point-of-sale when no e-receipt is provided.
After scanning a barcode via a mobile phone's camera, the application triggers a price comparison service, allowing users to see if and where the particular scanned product is sold cheaper.
It basically allows you to tag products via a bookmarklet in your browser or by scanning a barcode or taking a photo of the product on the go.
Top feature: Scanning the barcode of shop-bought food and instantly inputting the content.
RFID is similar to barcoding, but removes the human component of physically scanning each barcode.
BlackBerry users can only exchange messages via BBM if they have exchanged their unique PIN codes, which they can do quickly via e-mail, social network, or scanning a QR barcode using a handset's camera.
The idea is that one manages food shopping by scanning the barcodes of items, or a shopping receipt, with a scanner on the fridge door, or by describing the item via voice recognition technology.
Shopping lists can also be updated manually or via barcode scanning, similar to other shopping list applications already available in iTunes.
A number of e-commerce retailers have benefitted greatly from this trend, especially Amazon, whose own mobile application includes price comparison functionality via barcode scanning or even by snapping a photo.
The other companies joining Dash are GeniCan, a device place in your garbage can that lets you reorder household items via barcode scanning and voice recognition; Nestle, whose BabyNes nutrition system will reorder formula capsules; and WePlenish, whose WePlenish Java will reorder coffee when supplies are low.
For example, Walgreen's now offers a one-stop-shop app that customers can use to get prescription refills via barcode scanning, plus medication reminders, photography orders, and loyalty card point tracking.
