QR Codes
I’ve been pretty excited lately about QR Codes. Basically they’re 2 Dimensional barcodes that can store data such as URLs, contact info, or anything else. The really cool thing is that camera phones (with reader software installed) can read and decode these codes, and can then send the user to the URL contained within, or add the contact information to the user’s address book. There are also several generators available online so anyone can create codes. The code to the left contains the URL for this site and was quickly generated at http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
QR Codes are not new, and they’re not the only 2D codes out there, but they’ve had some success in Japan, and I think they have a lot of potential here. From what I’ve read in passing in articles and blogs about the technology, Microsoft has been experimenting with it, as is google.
The potential for the technology is huge; I envision these codes being placed on posters, advertisements, business cards, and any place where someone might want more information. Imagine a world where you can always find out more by just pointing your phone at a poster or something- a concert poster for example can contain a QR Code that links directly to information about the concert being advertised, or a bus stop sign could contain a QR Code that links directly to up to date schedules and route information.
Unfortunately two things will need to change for this to take off- firstly, the mobile phone manufacturers and/or service providers will need to start including this software or making it free and easy to get it- right now only a handful of phones allow users to install their own software. The second thing that needs to change is that data plans need to be cheaper so users can utilize the URL decoding. So keep your fingers crossed- this could be really cool!