Target's new app: In a Snap

Have you ever flipped thru a magazine and immediately fell in love with a product — a rug, chair, lamp, whatever — and just HAD to have it? Like, right there and then?? Well that desire for instant gratification is the idea behind Target’s latest mobile app, In a Snap.

Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod, this new image recognition app lets you easily shop Target items directly off the pages of magazines and printed ads without having to scan confusing codes, look up links or search for product information online or in store. Using the camera on your mobile device, In a Snap recognizes select ads, makes a “snap” sound to let you know when it’s ready, and then shows you additional info about each product in the ad, making them easy to immediately purchase or to consider later.

According to A Bullseye View, the app launched last week and is featured in ads for Target’s Room Essentials brand in current issues of RealSimple, Architectural Digest, and Domino magazine. The app also works with Target’s new back-to-college catalog. Depending on guest feedback and results from initial testing, Target will consider using In a Snap with more ad campaigns in the future.