Amazon Mobile app gets update for Mango and a barcode scanner

We do like the Amazon.com app--it's well designed, sharp, fast and has that irresistible 1-click buying option. But the one thing it was missing was some Mango-love and that has now been resolved. Version 1.5 of the app was pushed out today bringing of course fast-app switching but in addition, Amazon threw in a few other fixes and new features as well:

  • Scan It: use your device camera to scan a barcode to check prices and availability.
  • Pin barcode scan to Live tile: From Start screen, click to instantly open barcode scan tool and search for products.
  • Fast application switching: switch from Amazon Mobile to other apps then return to where you left off.
  • We hate bugs as much as you do (so we fixed a bunch)

We've also noticed the name change: Amazon Mobile instead of just Amazon.com. We think the new title fits much better with the demographic. The "pin barcode" feature is real awesome but some users can't seem to find it. Well, here's your tip: Your Account --> "Pin barcode scan to start screen". Yeah, even we admit that's not the most ideal spot for that feature, but hopefully you can find it now. The barcode scanner will allow you to quickly launch the mini-app with 1-tap, scan the item and search for it on Amazon.com for the best price. Pretty awesome. Too bad you can't pin individual items though to your Start screen--seems like an obvious opportunity to us.

Pick up the Amazon Mobile app here in the Marketplace. Thanks, ShipWreck and pdawg17, for the tip!

Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.