Combining Barcode and NFC Data Capture with the S370

Socket Mobile couldn’t be more excited to announce that the SocketScan S370 has been added to our store and is now shipping worldwide. This revolutionary NFC & QR Code mobile wallet reader goes beyond meeting typical scanning and reading requirements. With the S370, you no longer need to choose between barcode scanning and NFC reading/writing as the best of both are built into this groundbreaking data capture solution.

The new SocketScan S370 may not be “revolutionary” when compared against other life-changing advances (think air conditioning and sliced bread!) but as far as data collection goes, yeah, we think it’s revolutionary. The SocketScan S370 is an innovative data capture platform that supports 1D and 2D barcode scanning along with NFC Reading and Writing. It combines the latest 13.56 MHz Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless technology with barcode scanning and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. Designed to enable Socket Mobile’s App partners to facilitate e-wallet applications via on-screen barcode scanning or tap-and-go NFC reading, the new S370 combines leading-edge technologies that deliver an effortless data capture experience for your end-users.

Currently, many mobile credentials are either QR code-based or NFC-based. This means two separate reading devices are often required in order to capture the data from a mobile phone in these varied technologies. The SocketScan S370 provides the ability to read both, giving end-users the flexibility to accept multiple formats with just one device. With S370 enabled in your app (e.g. by using Socket Mobile’s CaptureSDK), end-users can accept multiple forms of credentials without cluttering their retail space. In addition, consumers only have to look for one device, which ultimately simplifies and enhances the user experience.

S370 for Digitial ID Authentication

The S370 was created with the new age of digital IDs and Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) in mind. Many states and countries have already begun to roll out systems for using your government-issued ID on mobile devices, and Socket Mobile is helping industries such as retail, commercial services, and government move into this new digital ID ecosystem. Ready to read mDLs out of the box, the S370 can read credentials following ISO18013-5, the standard being adopted in many jurisdictions.

Since Covid, the world is more comfortable using QR codes and NFC mobile wallets than ever before. The launch of the SocketScan S370 is a revolutionary step for Socket Mobile and for our app partners, allowing them to offer services that require digital ID authentication or verification regardless of the technology type the credential is based on.

Providing Cutting-Edge Innovation for App Partners

Having both QR Code and NFC reading capabilities significantly improves the user experience and allows retail app providers to choose which type of services they wish to support. The S370 can scan any form of digital ID to meet entry requirements, store requirements, or industry regulations by simply hovering or tapping a smart device. Using the S370, apps can instantly gather needed information on a consumer’s mobile device to verify age, membership, loyalty, and other customer-related services to make real-time business decisions. Beyond reading multiple technologies, the S370 also incorporates many other cutting-edge innovations that enhance the user experience; like intuitive visual and audio feedback options and long battery life for completely wireless environments.

The S370 contains a list of features that provide positive and intuitive feedback for a better user experience, including a distinctive lighting scheme and voice prompts and status. At the top of the device, we have included an LED light pipe with a distinct purpose in mind. At Socket Mobile, we feel it is important to educate end-users and create cross-use case cohesion in visual feedback for end users. With its scanning/reading versatility ranging from basic barcodes, payments, vaccine credentials, loyalty cards, mDLs, and beyond, it was crucial that the device provided instant evaluation and confirmation of the data that was being presented.

We didn’t stop with visual feedback. We have also included first-of-its-kind audio feedback in the scanner/reader. The S370 can talk. Literally. It has fully configurable audio indications via Socket Mobile’s CaptureSDK. Fixed sounds and tones can be used or even customized, creating an interactive scanning/reading experience. Between the dual barcode scanning/NFC technologies, digital ID capabilities, visual lighting schemes, and intuitive audio feedback options, the S370 is the “game-changer” that the data capture industry has been looking for.

Developer access to S370 is through CaptureSDK, which gives our app providers the ability to offer any of Socket Mobile’s data capture devices (barcode scanners or NFC reader/writers) interchangeably and give their end users the freedom to choose the right device for each customer’s requirements. If your app already uses CaptureSDK, the S370 is ready to go.

The SocketScan S370 is available for purchase and shipping now.