Post #2 - Web/Mobile App Critique

 If you have ever had a need to scan documents or pictures to save, then this may be the app for you. Introducing CamScanner, a free app that allows you to use your iPhone or Android phone as a scanner. This allows you to scan any paper document that you have and convert it to a digital version that you can upload, save, or share.

When you create the file, first, you take a picture of the document. You are then presented with different editing options to make it the best possible picture.  Some of these options require an upgraded (paid) account, but many are usable in the free portion of the app.

  

Once the picture is saved, you can rename the file or accept the automatically generated name. Then you can share the entire file or single pictures in PDF, JPG, or other formats through email, text, or other options on your phone.

Pros:

·       Offers extremely visible results when scanning documents.

·       Allows export in several formats

·       The free version has many features

·       Does not require an internet connection to work

Cons:

·       Some functions are only available in the paid version

·       The free version will include a watermark on each page

This is an application that I have personally used for years. It continues to be a go-to for many applications at work and home for when I need to record something for keeping or until I get something done or corrected. I keep a copy of each vehicle's registration and insurance, along with pictures of the inside and outside of the vehicle. It lets me keep track of expenses and receipts for any vehicle maintenance or household expenses.

I must tell you that I am only a free user and have been put off by the marketing ads presented throughout. The biggest change that I would suggest is having the upgrade item marked in some way so that you know which items and options are available for the level you are currently on. It would also be nice if there were different levels, similar to many other applications, including Microsoft Office. Including one level that I would pay for to avoid the marketing ads and maintain the simple (free) level of option usage.

The app continues to evolve and has many options other than just saving a scan or picture. Including OCR, optical character resolution, and conversion to Word, Excel, and other formats. The application can import pictures and files into its structure, file structures with folders, and searchability.

One other option in the application is to use cloud resources to save your files. Make them available online if you want to use another device to look at or manipulate the files. My suggestion would be to be able to mark which files should be included in the cloud and which should stay only on your device – this seems much more secure. Although it would be much more secure, it would also be a backup problem, just like any other computer problem.

References

INTSIG Information Co., Ltd. (2024). CamScanner. Retrieved from CamScanner.com: https://www.camscanner.com/