Frequently Asked Questions about SnapNow

  1. General Questions
  2. Using MMS
  3. Using Email
  4. Troubleshooting

  1. General Questions

    1. Is it true that SnapNow is free?
    2. I’m not getting any results. What’s going on?
    3. How can I take better photos to ?
    4. Where can I snap?
    5. How does SnapNow work?
    6. How can I tell if it works on my phone?

    1. 1.1   Is it true that SnapNow is free?

      The SnapNow service is totally free. Well, mostly… here’s the deal: we don’t charge you anything to use SnapNow, but the standard text and data rates from your carrier apply. Since you have to send us the pictures, and we have to send you back the results, the carrier charges you for the traffic on the network. Of course, if you have an unlimited data plan and use the SnapApp then, yeah, it’s free.

    2. 1.2   I’m not getting any results. What’s going on?

      Hmmm… sorry about that, SnapNow is usually pretty good at knowing what you snapped. There could have been a problem sending us the pic (like you lost signal when it was sending) or maybe it was just too blurry or small for us to recognize. Try sending another pic, holding the camera steady. See if you can get the subject to take up at least half the picture.

    3. 1.3   How can I take better photos to ?

      Sure. First, make sure there’s no glare on the thing you’re snapping and try to get it to fill at least half the picture - that’ll help a lot. Also check that the picture is clear, camera phones can be shaky and blurry pics are tough for SnapNow to match. SnapNow’s also best at matching images on flat surfaces like magazines, billboards and posters. We have a lot of trouble with 3-D objects like cars or faces (but we’re working on it!).

    4. 1.4   Where can I snap?

      The short answer is “anywhere.” The only catch is that if you’re not in your home country you’ll still get results targeted there. We try to give you relevant results based on where you’re from. And we haven’t scanned the whole world… yet.

    5. 1.5   How does SnapNow work?

      Wouldn’t you like to know! Come on, we can’t give away all the secrets but there is some really, awesomely, crazily sophisticated technology – and a little bit of magic. You believe in magic, don’t you? We don’t either, and that’s why we hold a US patent for our search platform.

    6. 1.6   How can I tell if it works on my phone?

      Is this a trick question? SnapNow works on every phone that can take pictures and send either MMS or e-mail so if you can do that then we’re here for you. Some phones can download our SnapApp for even faster results.

  2. Using MMS

    1. What is MMS?
    2. Is MMS the same thing as SMS?
    3. Is my phone capable of sending MMS?
    4. How much does MMS cost?
    5. What settings do I need for MMS to work?
    6. My phone doesn’t have a camera; can I use the SnapNow service?
    7. I received a text from SnapNow, what next?
    8. There is no link in the text message.
    9. I can’t connect to the Internet on my phone, what do I need to do?


    1. 2.1   What is MMS?

      MMS stands for Multi-media Messaging Service. (It’s sometimes also called picture mail or picture messaging.) MMS is a function in your cameraphone that allows you to share pictures with others.

    2. 2.2   Is MMS the same thing as SMS?

      No. MMS is optimized for sharing large media files, like photos or videos. SMS is for text messaging only. Mobile operators typically have different rates for MMS and SMS.

    3. 2.3   Is my phone capable of sending MMS?

      If your phone has a camera, it likely has MMS capability. Exact instructions may vary, so please contact your mobile operator, where someone can assist you.

    4. 2.4   How much does MMS cost?

      The cost may vary according to your price plan and network operator. Please contact your mobile operator, where someone can tell you more about the price of MMS in your plan.

    5. 2.5   What settings do I need for MMS to work?

      Exact instructions may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your phone. Check the instruction menu or user’s guide for your mobile phone model for assistance.

    6. 2.6   My phone doesn’t have a camera; can I use the SnapNow service?

      Unfortunately, you need a cameraphone to use the SnapNow service.

    7. 2.7   I have received a text back from SnapNow, what next?

      To get information about the image you’ve snapped, click on the link in the text SnapNow has sent to your phone.

    8. 2.8   There is no link in the text message from SnapNow.

      You should have received a text message with a web link, or URL, in it. If not, please tell us at support@snapnow-inc.com.

    9. 2.9   I can’t connect to the Internet on my phone, what do I need to do?

      If you are having difficulties getting online, please contact your network operator, where someone can assist you.

  3. Using Email

    1. How does SnapNow work using email?
    2. I can't seem to email the image.
    3. How much does it cost to send email?

    1. 3.1   How does the SnapNow work using email?

      Take a picture as you normally would using your camera phone. Your phone's camera software should offer an option to email the image or to send it to a phone number. Send your image to mailto:pic@SnapNow.co.uk .

    2. 3.2   I can't seem to email the image.

      It could be that you've lost Internet access. If this happens, please contact your network operator, where someone can assist you.

    3. 3.3    How much does the email service cost?

      SnapNow charges nothing for its mobile visual search service. However, your operator's standard network data charges apply.

  4. Troubleshooting

    1. Why didn't I get an SMS?
    2. I got a link back… how do I click on it?
    3. Do I need to login or register?
    4. My SnapApp keeps getting stuck.
    5. I can't access the internet, what now?

    1. 4.1   Why didn't I get an SMS?

      Oh, right, we were just about to send those… No, seriously, we’re sorry you didn’t get what you wanted quickly. It could be that you lost network access when the picture was being sent and we didn't receive it or the network could be really busy and might not have gotten it.

    2. 4.2   I got a link back… how do I click on it?

      In most phones there is a menu or options section that allows you to open or follow the link. Look for something like Go To URL, Open, Go To, Follow, Load or Retrieve.

    3. 4.3   Do I need to login or register?

      Nope. SnapNow only sends you messages or data when you contact us first. We don't store any of your info. You can give us your e-mail if you want to hear from us but we don't need to know who you are for you to use the service.

    4. 4.4   My SnapApp keeps getting stuck.

      Sorry about that, it's supposed to come right back with results. Most likely you're not able to connect to the internet. Test your connection and try again.

    5. 4.5   I can't access the internet, what now?

      Well, the bad news is that without internet access you can't use the SnapApp. The good news is that if you've still got some network access you can send us your snaps by MMS to 88900in the UK or 88123 in the US or by e-mailing them to pic@snapnow.com.