Tesco launches Groceries Android app with voice searching feature

Tesco has launched a free mobile application for Google's Android operating system (OS) to provide shopping and delivery services.

The Tesco Groceries for Android app includes voice searching and barcode scanning using the handset's phone camera. Products can be searched for via aisles, through barcode scans, voice searching or a shopping list, and filtered according to special offers.

Writing in a blog post, Nick Lansley, head of research and development at Tesco.com, said: "I know, you've wanted this app to launch for a long time. But the management team, designers and developers were patient and did things right so that we could launch an app to be proud of."

The app was developed by Tesco's new in-house mobile development team with design input from Ribot.

The app adds to Tesco's portfolio of mobile apps, including its Tesco Finder app for Apple's iPhone. The company is currently trialling an Android sat-nav-style app in one of its stores in Essex.

Tesco's store and product finding iPhone application, Tesco Finder, reached one million downloads at the end of 2010. The free app, which allows users to locate stores in the UK, build product lists and find product aisle and shelf locations, was launched in October 2009.

• Download Tesco Groceries for Android here
• View screenshots of Tesco's Android App here
• Read Computer Weekly's interview with Tesco's operations development & IT director, Mike McNamara, here