When it comes to retailers embracing new technology Target® is working to stay top. With the latest version of Target’s iPhone app the retailer shows just how serious they can be about shopping with technology.

One of the biggest advancements in version 3.3 is the addition of a barcode scanner. Powered by Occipital a Boulder, CO based app developer. The barcode scanner allows guests to build shopping lists (TargetLists) and price items right in the aisle. TargetLists include managing wedding or baby registries, wish lists and daily shopping items. Scan any item in stores and access the product details, reviews and store availability.

With 3.3 Target brings you Daily Deals. Much like Amazon’s Gold Box Deals, each day Target offers special discounts available only for a limited time. The deals are available through online ordering only but do include free shipping.

And lastly Target makes it easier for their guests to ask questions with contact us and feedback features. Way to go Target! When retailers take the time to innovate and listen to their guests sales improve and the relationship grows. iPhone users told Target how they wanted to use their app and Target has shown they can listen.

Visit Target app on iTunes or text “APP” to 827438 (TARGET) to receive a download link.

Augmented reality has hit the mainstream. The first AR app to make it to the iPhone app store was Metro Paris Subway by French developer PresseLite. Unfortunately you need to be in Paris to experience the AR features of the app.

Lucky for us, with the latest release of Yelp you can experience augmented reality on the iPhone 3GS for yourself. Yelp is a handy location based directory app for finding restaurants, bars, banks, etc. in your area. In order to use augmented reality in the Yelp app you need enable a hidden feature called Monocle. Follow these simple steps:

1. Grab the app here, Yelp.

2. Launch it and shake your phone. You need to shake it 3 times. TUAW got it working with one good shake, while other TUAW bloggers needed more than 3.

3. A message appears indicating that you’ve activated “Monocle.” That’s what they call the AR feature.

4. A monocle button appears on the top right of the app. Press it.
( Directions provided by: www.tuaw.com )

Now its time to play. Launch the Monocle augmented reality feature by clicking the new button in the upper right corner. As you move the phone around you will see your surroundings through the iPhone camera. Pop-up style windows display nearby business in their corresponding direction related to your location.

Note: Monocle only works on the iPhone 3GS.

For a more in depth review check out this video from GearLive:

You know him as Matt Parkman from the hit NBC series Heroes, but did you know that Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) is a geek? Not only is he a geek but he has just launched a new iPhone app; admittly with the help of some developers (Ricky Yaeger @rickmacmerc and August Trometer @august).

How would you like to save at stores anywhere you travel? Now you can find deals no matter where you are with Yowza!! This unique coupon distribution application lets you find deals in your proximity at either a 1, 5, or 15 mile radius. The closest store are listed first and then you can scan down to list. The application also integrates with the iPhone map application so you can see locations and even call the store directly. Want to find retailers in another city simply enter the zipcode into the search field.

Retailers small and large are able to change their coupons themselves and make the instantly available to their customers. Stores are allowed three lines of copy to describe their offer. This form of coupon distribution not only saves you the hassle of the treasure hunt it also helps the environment with no printing necessary.

You can find Yowza!! in the Apple iPhone application store at this link.

Listen to the creation story of the app on GeekBrief TV brief #594 Greg Grunberg even revealed a secret future feature in the episode.

Make sure to visit GetYowza.com