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What’s a QR Code?
If you’ve leafed through a magazine, gone shopping or been driving around lately, you’ve probably noticed QR codes. A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two dimensional code that can be read by smart phones via software that must be installed onto your phone. The code is made up of black modules that are arranged in a square pattern on a white background. (Source: Wikipedia.org) QR codes are a link between print media and the web. When scanned, the encoded information can be a link to a website URL, contact details, product details, a coupon, event details, etc.
Basically, they are a sophisticated bar code that can hold more sophisticated information than a traditional linear one-dimensional bar code that can only hold up to 20 numerical digits. They originated in Japan and are common place and appear on everything from fast food wrappers to t-shirts and posters.
How are companies using QR codes?
> In Japan, McDonald’s uses QR codes on it packaging to provide nutrional information
> Pepsi printed QR codes on bottles that redirected users to a custom landing page to view content
> Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie posters were printed with QR Codes, giving users access to movie’s trailers. The user also received a QR code discount coupon for their next concession purchase
> Calvin Klein displayed a large QR code on a billboard that launched a racy advertisement
Where do I download a QR Code Reader?
There are many sources for free QR Code Readers for you smart phone. You must first have a web-enabled phone with a camera function. Once you’ve downloaded one of the readers onto your phone, open the reader up and scan a QR code. Some readers will work better with different brands of phones, so it is best to test the reader once it is downloaded. Some of the popular readers include:
> BeeTagg
> UpCode
> Kaywa
