My QR CodeThe QR Code was developed and released by Nippondenso Company, Japan in 1994. The name QR Code stands for Quick Response BarCode, started with a concept to create quick way for people to scan and get information using simple image camera.

It proven to be a successful concept and implemented widely in Japan. However, after more than a decade, we have not seen much of the technology here. While most phones in market already come with camera as standard feature and the QR Code Reader is free of charge, I do see why it cannot take off in this region. I believe we need to raise more awareness about this interesting technology.

QR Code feature a matrix-type super-code which can store up to 4,296 characters, which is hundreds times more information than a conventional bar code with a much smaller image size.

How can it benefit consumer? With a camera phone and the appropriate software, you can scan a picture of a QR Code, e.g. a poster advertising a new music album and be taken directly to the mobile site of the group band or automatically prompt user to send SMS and request the ringtone. Another implementation is a QR Code printed in a business card will allow all contact details instantly recorded and saved as vCard to the mobile phone. Quick and easy.

Pet Shop Boys embedded QR Code in their music video clip, linking fans to their website.
Pet Shop Boys (above left) embedded a QR Code (above right)
for fans to visit their site.

McDonalds wrapper with QR CodesSince its launch, QR Code has taken off in Japan as an effective advertising and mobile boosting feature and widely used in airline, consumer product, ticketing, payment confirmation, identification, promo, etc. Usage outside Japan had seen in various countries and large corporation start adopting this concept in their operation, including Google, advertising giants like Mindshare. McDonalds prints QR Codes on its burger wrappers allows the health conscious customers to view the food’s nutritional info on a phone. A lot of cool product and ideas also generated through this concept (see bottom of the post).

Initiative from Industry

Lots of initiative has come from technology and device manufacturers to make QR Codes as standard and making its client freely and easily available. I think the consumer goods manufacturers (including electronics) and big retail chain need to start with making QR Codes (or similar) as standard in their product packaging. In long run, it will help the overall business. No need for us to wait to get serve by a store assistance to ask simple question about a product. We could simply scan the QR Code using camera phone and directly linked to a product site allowing us to get the latest and most updated info on the particular product. Isn’t it sweet?

Get a QR Code Reader for your mobile phone?

QR Code Reader (or scanner) already pre-embedded in most high-end Nokia models. In case not available, a selection of alternative and free scanner available from third parties. Here’s the partial lists:

Kaywa reader, by Kaywa / 3GVision
Install via mobile browser: http://reader.kaywa.com
or download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device from
reader.kaywa.com

I-nigma reader, by 3GVision
Install via mobile browser: http://www.i-nigma.mobi
or download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device from
www.i-nigma.com

Glass reader, by Active Print(HP) / Gavitec AG-mobile digit
Install via mobile browser: http://activeprint.org/g
or download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device from
www.activeprint.org/download.html

UpCode reader, by UPC
Install via mobile browser: http://www.upcode.fi
or download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device from
www.upc.fi/en/upcode/instructions/download

Semacode reader, by Semacode
Install via mobile browser: http://semacode.org/ota
or download to a computer and transfer it to your mobile device from
semacode.org/software/

QuickMark reader
Download to a computer and transfer ir to your mobile device from
www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp

Make your own code?

There’s also lots of free resources in the Internet to allow you to create your own QR Code compatible barcodes. Here are some :

Nokia | http://mobilecodes.nokia.com/

Quickmark | http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/diy/?qmLink

More Resources :

Denso Wave | http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html
The original inventor of the QR Code

QR Code Blog | http://www.qrcodeblog.com (in Japanese)
Interesting site even if you can’t understand Japanese. Lots of fun example of QR Code implementation by .. who else? the Japanese…. absurd ideas like cookies with QR Code, birthday cake, T-Shirt, tattoo, puzzle,

AugMe | http://www.augme.com/
Order your own customized QR Code T-Shirt.

 

Other Interesting Use of QR Codes

Space Invader QR-Code Scarf
Above : QR-Code embedded in a scarf pattern (fashion meets technology)

Popularity: 48% [?]

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