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Perhaps you've seen the strange looking bar codes in magazines or maybe you've seen the mouse-sized device that looks like a crouching kitty. Appropriately named, the new :Cue:C.A.T.™ from Digital:Convergence, is an optical scanner which when swiped across product codes (UPC, ISBN) or printed codes (called cues), takes your web browser to a specific web page.

Cat is an anacronym for Keystroke Automation Technology. In simple terms, it means that you don't have to type any long or encryptic URLs (and risk making any typos). You'll also be able to find companies' websites easier. The :CueC.A.T.™ works with :CRQ™ software to convert a swiped cue into a web address. Your computer's web browser is then launched and the appropriate page is displayed.

Cues are Digital:Convergence's proprietary slant code which are now beginning to appear in print media. Forbes magazine is one of the first companies to employ :Cue:C.A.T.™ technology.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) codes are found on books, CDs, audio tapes, and videos. UPCs (Universal Product Codes, "bar codes") are found on everyday household items, from cans of vegetables to shampoo bottles. UPCs are scanned by supermarkets to identify an item and the corresponding price.

To use the :CueC.A.T.™, you should hold the device perpendicular to the printed cue. Swipe the cue with a constant speed from left to right.

For more information, go to Digital Convergence's website (www.crq.com).