TECHNICAL HELP

What Are QR Codes?

A Little Background

A QR code is a unique, two-dimensional matrix barcode that is easily readable by barcode readers and smartphones with applications dedicated to scanning them. The QR code was created by Denso-Wave in 1994, and looks much like black pixels and squares in a square pattern on a white background. This is meant to be quickly read, and save time and space compared to traditional barcodes.

How Are QR Codes Used?

While they were originally intended for tracking parts when manufacturing cards, QR codes are now used for several different reasons, and are quickly being adapted to new uses every day. One of the most popular ideas being launched is the idea of real-world hyperlinking.

Because of their size, QR codes are ideal for magazine ads, park benches, business cards, buses, billboards, product packaging, and any physical object that people might want to learn more information about. For example, you could easily link your website on a business card, tourism brochures could link to a website like Map Quest to offer quick directions, or the side of a bus could offer a schedule of buses within the city.

Who Can Read QR Codes?

Thanks to the modern smartphone with a camera, mobile phones are equipped to read QR codes via applications. Android-based phones, as well as some Nokia phones and several versions of Blackberry phones come with QR code readers pre-installed. This is a powerful tool that can be used by both marketers as well as consumers, as QR codes can be accessed from any smartphone with a camera and a data plan.

Don’t Have a QR Code App?

We recommend Red Laser by eBay Inc. for iPhone and Android users, you can download the app from their website: http://www.redlaser.com/

Posted By: Luke Turner