Bar codes aren't just for items any more. Get used to seeing them on places. These one-inch-squares featuring pixilated black-and-white cubes are QR codes. In the coming weeks Google plans to send out 100,000 of these stickers, each with their own QR code, to a new demographic of businesses Google is calling "Favorite Places". These favorites are based on search results from users interacting with local business listings on Google Maps.
QR Codes have been around for several years across Asia. They are a source of instantaneous information. Mobile phones read the codes and display the information with the click of a button. Here in the U.S., however, the process is a bit more complicated due to privacy concerns.
As of right now, in order to view the information from the QR codes here in the States, you first have to download the right code reader for your specific mobile phone. Then, when you see a code in a window, you have to start the correct code-viewing application, allow that application access to your camera, take a photo of said code, and then agree to allow the application to use the image to open the particular Web page with the additional information. This laborious process could take as longs as 45 seconds to achieve the result.
Overseas in Japan, however, nearly all phones ship with an embedded QR code reader, and activating the code is a one-click affair. When this application works, it is usually incredibly rewarding. In Google's case, you will be taken to an associated mobile Web page with rich information about a specific venue, complete with user reviews, star rating, maps, contact info, and a link to the Web site of the business.
Google is also promoting another great use of these codes by allowing businesses to share mobile coupons. Following the same process, you end up with a coupon that is redeemable at the respective store. How cool is that? Saves on paper for one thing, and ensures that you never lose the coupon for another. A very handy idea.
QR Codes have been around for several years across Asia. They are a source of instantaneous information. Mobile phones read the codes and display the information with the click of a button. Here in the U.S., however, the process is a bit more complicated due to privacy concerns.
As of right now, in order to view the information from the QR codes here in the States, you first have to download the right code reader for your specific mobile phone. Then, when you see a code in a window, you have to start the correct code-viewing application, allow that application access to your camera, take a photo of said code, and then agree to allow the application to use the image to open the particular Web page with the additional information. This laborious process could take as longs as 45 seconds to achieve the result.
Overseas in Japan, however, nearly all phones ship with an embedded QR code reader, and activating the code is a one-click affair. When this application works, it is usually incredibly rewarding. In Google's case, you will be taken to an associated mobile Web page with rich information about a specific venue, complete with user reviews, star rating, maps, contact info, and a link to the Web site of the business.
Google is also promoting another great use of these codes by allowing businesses to share mobile coupons. Following the same process, you end up with a coupon that is redeemable at the respective store. How cool is that? Saves on paper for one thing, and ensures that you never lose the coupon for another. A very handy idea.
So keep your eyes peeled for QR codes. They will be popping up everywhere. Soon, we will have bar codes on almost everything. Mark my words. Information has never been so accessible.
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