While they've been popular in Japan for several years now, QR codes (or Quick Response codes) are just beginning to show up all over the rest of the world. A QR code is a square barcode used to convey information visually. The codes can be easily decoded with the aid of a cameraphone. Think of them as URL shorteners like Bit.ly, but in an image format that makes more sense for outdoor link sharing. For example, it's much easier to snap a picture of a QR code than jot down a URL, even if the link is only 10 characters (especially when upper case letters are tossed into the mix). Even though QR codes are primarily used for advertising, Google is actively trying to push the US market in that way with their
Favorite Places service.
On the Android platform,
Barcode Scanner and
Google Goggles are popular QR code scanning apps. On the iPhone and Blackberry,
NeoReader is a good option. Users of older phones (like the iPhone 3G) without autofocus cameras will likely have more trouble scanning codes, though. QR codes are commonly used for Android devices to point to apps or websites. If you want to use QR codes to distribute a URL, there's a quick way to make one with a Chrome extension.
After launching the Chrome browser, you'll need to install a
goo.gl URL shortener extension. This add-on allows you to use Google's own URL shortening service. On any webpage you can click the icon for the goo.gl extension to receive a shortened link. This even works if the page does not load correctly. Highlight and copy that link then paste it into the address bar, but do not hit enter. Instead, add ".qr" to the end of the short URL. Hit enter and you'll be taken to a page with a QR code encoded with the URL you entered.
You can save this image and post it online, or print it out to display in real life. QR codes are versatile, so they can be scaled dramatically and still be readable. Maybe one day we'll see billboards with QR codes in places other than Japan. What sort of situations might you like to see QR codes used in?
