It is an article written by Hinterleithner (Director Business Developmet, NeoMedia Technologies).
Now, why would he write so approvingly of, and promoting, "The Shopper", even going so far as to clearly suggest that there has been a deal of some kind between Google and Neomedia (or at least a deal involving a license of Neomedia's IP) when he writes "With the Shopper, Google has taken mobile barcode reading technology, patented by NeoMedia, to a new level of consumer convenience and opportunity."
The critical point is this: The article was written by a Neomedia exec. It is about a Google app. And it is written in a very approving tone. Why would a Neomedia exec put pen to paper to do that?
Any legal analysis I post may not be relied upon by anyone for any purpose. If you want legal advice you can rely on, hire a lawyer.
Looks like a storm is brewing.