QR codes - are they reaching a tipping point?
Maybe you've seen them before. These weird little square shaped symbols made up of tiny rectangular patterns. They are called QR codes, short for "quick response". Meaning they can be read by a scanner (such as an iPhone, Blackberry or Droid) in the blink of an eye. The benefit is you don't have to type in any information, you simply "scan" the mark.
How are they different then typical barcodes?
They can handle a lot more information. In fact a standard QR code can contain up to 7089 characters (although apparently not all QR code readers can read that much). Making them much more useful for both commercial and personal data. All you need is a mobile device with QR code reader app.
What can it be used for?
Well... here are some ideas: contact information, calendars, URLs (website addresses), WiFi security codes, directions, boarding passes, coupons, song lyrics, part descriptions, product instructions, geo location, work schedules, and on and on. Whatever contains just text, can be put in a QR code.
Where did they come from?
Japan. Wikipedia claims it was created in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary named Denso-Wave. QR code is their registered trademark. However QR codes are free of any license.
Who is using them?
Younger, tech savy people. Mostly in Japan and South Korea, however it appears to be becoming more popular here in the States and Europe. A term is "mobile tagging" where mobile device users can get quick access to information by scanning with their phone.
Why should a business owner care?
If QR codes are truly reaching a tipping point in popularity. It would be wise to explore how you could apply it to your business. Sales folks can exchange contact information, retail shelves could display product literature, print ads can contain coupons, geo location etc. The possibilities are far reaching.
What about Datamatrix codes?
Similar to QR codes, but apparently are not as popular. The Datamatrix holds less data and does not include Japanese symbols. I've noticed that several apps claim to read both QR codes and Datamatrix. There are other codes too, such as by Micorosoft, however they have not caught on very much.
Curious about the mark on this blog?
Try it out for yourself! Download one of the free QR code apps for you iPhone, Droid or Blackberry. Then point your device at the mark shown above. It might give you some idea of the potential.
Please let us know your thoughts.
Perhaps some of you are way ahead of us on this. Please share with us how you use them right now. Maybe tell us your favorite apps or favorite QR code generators. Or maybe you think the concept won't catch on, whatever, just let us know.