Tesco iPhone app goes live

The Tesco iPhone app allows users to locate products by describing store aisle and shelf

Tesco’s first iPhone application is now available at Apple's App Store after an initial functionality glitch.

Last month, the retailer’s user interface – which allows iPhone users to locate their nearest Tesco branch – was rejected by Apple due to a technical problem, which was overcome with a minor change.

As well as the store location capability, the Tesco Finder app also allows users to find grocery products in that store by describing its aisle and shelf. The functionality is not available for non-food items and works for UK stores only.

The application is the first project completed by Tesco.com's IT Innovation Club, a group run by the retailer's research and development (R&D) group, which aims to create innovative customer-facing solutions outside of the firm's standard production work schedule.

Since its launch on Saturday, more than 1,000 users have downloaded the application.

Critics of the application have said that it should show product prices or real-time stock levels - it currently does not - and that it does not work in some stores where the mobile signal is too weak. They have also criticised its appearance.

But in his blog, Tesco.com head of R &D Nick Lansley explained that Tesco is working on improving the appearance of the app. He said the service does not have access to real-time prices yet but that the functionality will be added soon.

“We do not show current stock levels because we could not be accurate. If Tesco Finder says a product is at the store and you cannot spot it, you only need to ask a member of staff to check for you,” he said.

On the subject of mobile signal strength, Lansley offers his best solution, which is to “walk towards the front of the store to pick up a stronger signal for your search, then walk to the location described”.

“Providing free Wi-Fi is a great idea on paper, but this may provide challenges as we use Wi-Fi so much in our staff devices. Our store-based IT staff will have to think about this one – so no promises,” he said.