Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions does it take before it’s frequently asked? We think five is the magic number. Feel free to disagree. That said, here are some of questions we’re asked, frequently.
Does Pongr do barcode image search?
No. We are focused on visual recognition of naturally occurring objects – like logos, advertisements, product packaging, billboards, posters, etc. We can recognize just about any real-world object as long as we have trained on it. Barcodes are completely unrelated, and in our opinion, just a stepping stone to a far richer user experience of natural image search.
What networks do you work on?
We are live on all of the wireless carriers in the United States. Consumers can use Pongr via mobile email, MMS, or apps on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and regional carriers.
Do you work internationally?
Not yet, although you might be able to use a few of the Pongr mobile apps in other parts of the world. Of course, Pongr mobile email will work anywhere, anytime. If you are an international carrier and want to connect Pongr to your MMS network, let’s talk.
I don’t have an iPhone or BlackBerry, can I still use Pongr?
You bet. Send your pics via mobile email to ads@pongr.com or ping@pongr.com. If you’re participating in a brand advertising promotion, you can picture-text your photos into the MMS number provided to you.
Does Pongr have an API?
Yes, Pongr offers an API for meritorious programs. To learn more, contact sales@pongr.com.
Do I have to sign-up to use the smart phone apps?
No, but if you do you’ll be able to link your pictures to Twitter and Facebook. This makes it easier to share pics on both social networks at once. You’ll also be eligible for extra goodies and rewards from participating advertisers who want to encourage you to be social with your photos of them.
Why do you call it Pongr?
Great question. Pongr (pronounced: Pon-grr) derives from the popular buzz word “ping” as in – “Ping me the address.” We took it one step further and came up with Pongr, as in – “She Pongr’d the new shoes she wanted to friends on Facebook.” Our runner-up name was Google, but it’s apparently been taken.
What do you think about 2D barcodes?
We’ve got nothing against them; we just think they are largely misunderstood and old technology. We’ve discussed this in a previous blog post. We think it’s a little silly that some marketers get all jazzed up about fragmentation, limited reach, and retrofitting brand advertisements – but hey, that’s just our opinion. If you’re an agency that wants to push your client down the road of looking like a price comparison ticket item, be our guest. Furthermore, if you think the world of brand marketing will look better without sexy packaging, unique creative design, celebrity endorsements, or artistic expression – then QR codes are probably what you need. For the rest of us, creative marketing must stay and therefore Pongr is a far better choice.
Can I send you pictures of goats?
Yes of course! We love getting your crazy images. In fact, they’ve helped us flesh out some pretty complex problems in the world of artificial intelligence. We appreciate your sense of imagination, so keep your ridiculous images coming, just don’t expect much more than a laugh in return. And yes, we really did get a picture of a goat. It was standing on a roof, no fooling.
If you have any other questions about Pongr, our mobile marketing solutions or our technology, be sure to contact us.
