Apparently no longer satisfied with their massive online sales, Amazon wants to become your real-life shopping companion as well with their new Flow app for the iPhone (free, App Store Link), allowing you to gain real-time information about the products you shop for.
Flow allows you to scan a product’s UPC code, and quickly streams you data about the product, including customer reviews, related products, and where you can get the best price. The app is the very first to launch under Amazon’s A9 subsidiary brand. A9.com president Bill Stasion has the following to say:
This is our first step towards integrating product search technology with augmented reality. The integration of a live camera display, graphical overlays, and visual recognition technology creates a seamless experience for a customer looking to discover information about objects in their physical surroundings.
While I agree with Mr. Stasion, it’s unclear how Flow separates itself from other similar apps, such as eBay’s excellent RedLaser app (free, App Store Link), which functions in a very similar way. It’s always nice to have another option out there, however.
Flow is available now as a free download from the App Store (free, App Store Link).