Yeah, I always thought using the cell phone feature to scan bar codes was a good idea, only problem, as milestone has pointed out, it may not be a good patent, on NeoMeadia's part. Appears that they are losing their battle, but the idea is very interesting and convienent for mobile users. As we move forward in functionality with mobile devices, I think that feature will be incorporated in one way, or another. It is a great way to allow the user to request information without being intrusive.

P.S. I would think that NeoMedia's legal case would be a good one to study for prior art purposes. They were the first, I believe, to incorporate the camera phone for scanning bar codes. But, since their patent is so closely related to other bar code reader patents it won't pass the muster of obviousness ? Is it the case of a great idea, but not a good patent? It would seem.