I admit that I can get a bit obsessive compulsive about finding the best prices on shoes and clothes for me and my family. I once stalked eBay for months waiting to nab a pair of coveted heels at the lowest possible bid. Before making any major clothing purchase, I will spend a few hours comparison shopping online. This commitment to thrift can get pretty exhausting.
That's why ShopSavvy, an application that lets you comparison shop from your smartphone, caught my attention.
The tool is designed especially for Android smartphones. Since Android, an open-source, mobile operating system, was unveiled in late 2007, handset companies have introduced Android compatible devices and software developers have created hundreds of Android-based applications.
In June, smartphone manufacturer HTC launched the first Android phones for Canada, HTC Magic and HTC Dream. Both are now available at Rogers Wireless and cost $79.99 with a three-year plan.
The ShopSavvy app has the potential to drive Android phone sales among devoted shopaholics on a budget.
Here's how it works. Every product has a barcode and ShopSavvy turns your phone's camera into a barcode scanner. It reads the barcode and, using the Google search engine, searches for the best prices on the Internet. It also uses the phone's built-in GPS to determine where you're located and direct you to the nearest store with the product. Not only can you scan shoes and clothes, you can find the lowest prices on books, DVDs, electronics - even food. If the prices on an item you're eyeing are beyond your budget, set a price alert and ShopSavvy will let you know when it drops within your range.
One ShopSavvy user was able to save $250 on kitchen cabinet knobs. They cost $3.50 each at Lowes, but he scanned the barcode and ShopSavvy located the same knobs on Amazon.com for $1.10.
For us obsessive comparison shoppers, this little app is a welcome way to cut down on some tiring legwork.