Rakuten, Inc. (“Rakuten,” Chairman and CEO: Hiroshi Mikitani, Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) today launched the “Rakuten Ichiba App for Android” through its online shopping mall “Rakuten Ichiba.” The “Rakuten Ichiba App for Android” is an exclusive Rakuten Ichiba application for Android™ mobile devices.
■ Built-in barcode reader
The application comes with a built-in barcode reader that enables users to quickly search Rakuten Ichiba for products shops have on hand. Specifically, after users launch the “Rakuten Ichiba App for Android,” they will be able to read product barcodes using the mobile device’s camera. Users can then use the codes to easily search for the same products registered on Rakuten Ichiba. In this way, users can shop while referencing the price of the same products at Rakuten Ichiba stores, and access reviews from other buyers.
With this function, Rakuten storeowners are actively encouraged to register JAN codes during product registration, thereby successfully creating a database of product information. Under this system, when product barcodes are read, search results based on JAN codes are displayed on the product comparison site “Rakuten Product” (http://product.rakuten.co.jp/) in Rakuten Ichiba.
■ Provision of widget function
Users can set the Rakuten widget to constantly be visible on their Android™ terminal screens. With the widget, they will be able to easily launch the “Rakuten Ichiba App for Android,” conduct product searches, launch the barcode reader, and view items in their shopping cart.
■ Display of usage information in tandem with the PC version
Users will also be able to view the same favorites, shopping cart, and purchase history as the PC version of their Rakuten Ichiba accounts on their Android™ devices. In addition, the display has been optimized for easy viewing on Android™ devices.
This is the third application that the Rakuten Group has launched for Android™ devices, following applications for electronic money “Edy” and online travel service “Rakuten Travel.” These applications serve to create even greater opportunities for Rakuten Ichiba members and the growing number of Android™ users.
Moving forward, Rakuten Ichiba will continue to develop additional functionality and expand its service offerings to encourage greater adoption of the website among smartphone users.