There are probably many businesses and consumers out there that don’t have an Apple developer account, meaning that testing out Passbook passes isn’t possible due to the unavailability of iOS6 beta. Nonetheless, PassK.it has launched a Passbook Barcode Generator that allows anyone, even those without iOS6, to generate barcodes that would appear on a Passbook pass.
Barcode Content
For those businesses who already distribute tickets, coupons, passes, or cards, there may already be unique numbers on the barcodes (i.e. 2348301) to differentiate each pass. These can help uniquely identify a person’s membership card or event ticket. It is ultimately up to the business to decide what information is contained in the barcode, and whether it is unique (individual based) or generic (for a coupon).
Barcode Generator
PassK.it’s barcode generator is a simple and efficient way to create barcodes and test out scanning devices. All that is required is the input text to encode (which could even be a website), choosing the 2D barcode type (Aztec, PDF417, QR) as these are readable on iOS devices, and determining the resolution of the device(Standard 3GS or Retina for iPhone 4,4S). Once that is done, save the barcode image and use a scanner device or application to test it out. PassK.it has released a video demo on how to create Passbook pass barcodes without iOS6, so check it out here.
This barcode generator will help businesses prepare for the official launch of Passbook. By creating barcodes, your business could test out current scanners and upgrade these devices if necessary so that you will be Passbook Ready. On top of this, your staff could use this tool to familiarize themselves with Passbook content and become experts on scanning and accepting these passes in the future.
We urge all businesses, consumers, and individuals to start using the Passbook Barcode Generator and test out barcodes and scanners before Passbook is officially released to become Passbook Ready without iOS6.
