What is a QR Code?
Most of us never really gave them a second glance. But to some, QR code is something quite technical. At its most basic, a QR Code is a jacked up bar code. QR codes are used for encoding information in two-dimensional space. QR is a registered trademark of Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. Denso Wave decided not to exercise their patent rights of QR codes and thus encouraged their extensive use.
How is it different than a barcode?
“Whereas a bar code encodes data in only the horizontal plane (as scanners read the width and distance between the vertical lines), QR codes encode data both horizontally and vertically in a grid of tiny squares”(Jeff Korhan, 2011). This enables for much more data to be stuffed into a smaller space. “QR codes can actually embed information in the code itself, and, when read with the proper software, can trigger actions like launching a website or downloading a file; additionally, QR codes can be read from any angle, while bar codes must be aligned properly”(Jeff Korhan, 2011).
QR Lingo
QR code Generators – There are a number of sites for generating QR codes and they’re all free.
QR code Readers – The QR code reader app that works well on iPhone is i-nigma, which suggests it is the most widely used reader in the world. It uses virtually any type of Smartphone. “For the android, you can also try Barcode Scanner. If you already own the popular price-checking app Red Laser, they’ve recently adapted their technology to accommodate QR code reading” (Terrence O’Brien, 2010).
So what exactly can I do with QR codes?
QR codes are tailor-made for quickly and easily linking to content on Smartphone. Magazine ads that are linked up to websites, business cards that are hooked up with linked in profiles and Android uses QR codes for apps for Android. QR codes are used to promote local businesses and help out with tourism as they can be linked to help with directions and suggestions with where to dine in the area and even provide coupons.
As phones become more and more a part of our everyday lives that we cannot live without,
QR code is bound to become more popular to the everyday user.
chelseaembury 