We're all familiar with barcodes seen on just about any product imaginable - they make checkouts faster in grocery stores and often eliminate the need for individual price tags. Now a new type of barcode can make life simpler for Sprint customers seeking information.

2D barcodes are simple, black and white images, but each one is packed with a unique interactive experience in the form of data, Web links, MP3s, video streams, personal profiles and more. Sprint today announced that customers can use select Sprint phones to instantly unlock valuable information from 2D barcodes with the launch of ScanLife from Scanbuy, Inc., a global leader in mobile marketing solutions.

Barcodes give quick access to info and eliminate need to type in Web addresses: Picture a magazine ad with a 2D barcode in the lower right corner. Using the ScanLife application, Sprint customers can scan the barcode and be sent to a Web site on their Sprint phone that might contain pricing, availability and additional product information, and more.