KoamTac says its Bluetooth-interfaced barcode scanners can now send data to devices running Android, Windows Mobile, or Apple's iOS. The KDC200 and KDC300 scanners and companion KTSync software can enter codes as if they'd been typed via keyboard, or may be integrated with applications via a supplied SDK (software development kit), the company says.

While handheld computers designed to scan barcodes abound, KoamTac's KDC200 and KDC300 provide an interesting alternative. Weighing just 1.2 and 1.9 ounces, respectively, the devices are designed to glean data from barcodes, then send it to a user's smartphone via Bluetooth.

KoamTac says the KDC200 and KDC300 may be worn around a user's neck, tucked into a pocket, or even placed on the back of a hand via an available custom glove. Once barcodes have been scanned, the devices' Bluetooth radios allow them to beam data for about thirty feet, according to the company.

KoamTac's KDC200 (left) and KDC300 (right)

Because the KDC200 (above left) and KDC300 (above right) include simple four-line displays and two-way communications with host smartphones, they may be operated more or less independently. Therefore, a user's phone may be stored on a belt, on a desk, or in a purse, KoamTec claims.

The KDC200 and KDC300 were apparently first released last year, but KoamTac's companion "KTSync" software — pictured below in its iOS edition for Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch — is new. Available now for Windows Mobile and RIM BlackBerry devices, KTSync also comes in an Android version,"currently available to strategic partners only," whose general release is scheduled for next month, the company says.

KoamTec's KTSync
(Click to enlarge)

It's said KTSync's "keyboard wedge" functionality allows barcodes to be entered in any program as if they had been typed via keyboard. Alternatively, the scanners may be linked to applications at a lower level using a supplied SDK, according to the company.

KoamTac says the KDC200 and KDC300 have ARM7- or ARM9-based processors, respectively. Each also features 180KB of RAM that may be expanded up to 4MB, for storing a database of up to 100,000 products and their corresponding barcodes. Rechargeable batteries (190mAh on the '200, 650mAh on the '300) allow the devices to scan and transfer barcodes for several days, the company adds.

The KDC200, the smaller of the two at 2.44 x 1.37 x 0.59 inches, is designed for 1D barcode scanning only. Supported symbologies include EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN128), Code 3 of 5, and PDF417 (optional), the company says.

The KDC300, slightly larger at 3.26 x 1.45 x 0.82 inches, is designed for both 1D and 2D scanning via a 752 x 480 pixel CMOS sensor, says KoamTac. Said to incorporate Honeywell's Adaptus Imaging Technology, the device can also perform optical character recognition, says the company.

Symbologies supported by the KDC300 are as follows, according to KoamTac:

• 2D — AztecCode, AztecRunes, CodablockF, Code 16K, Code49, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, MicroPDF, PDF417, QRCode, HanXinCode
• 1D — Codabar, Code11, Code32, Code39, Code128, EAN8, EAN13, GS1-128 (UCC/EAN128), I2of5, MSI, Plessey, PosiCode, GS1 DataBar (Omni/Limited/Expanded), S2of5IA, S2of5ID, TLC39, Telepen, Trioptic, UPCA, UPCE
• Postal — AusPost, CanadaPost, ChinaPost, JapanPost, KoreaPost, KixPost, Planet Code, Postnet (US), UKPost

According to KoamTac, both devices survive four-foot drops provided they are stored in the rubber cases supplied. Both are additionally said to include USB and serial ports, though the company did not say when these might be required.

Hanjin Lee, founder and CEO of KoamTac, stated, "As Smartphones and tablets become the device of choice for each enterprise's mobile professionals, Bluetooth barcode scanning becomes an essential business tool in diverse application areas. KoamTac is committed to support all major mobile device platforms. So if and when you change your smartphone, you won't have to change your barcode scanner."

Further information

KoamTac's KDC200 and KDC300 appear to be available now, though pricing was not specified. More information may be found on the company's website here and here.

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.