High Tech Mobile Marketing – QR Codes

QR Code, 2D Barcode, Square Thing-a-ma-jig

A QR (Quick Response) code is essentially a barcode used to encode information; commonly used for URL or prize codes. Popular uses for QR codes involve mobile phones that have a QR reader application that use the phone’s camera. They are two dimensional and similar to a standard barcode, yet they can hold more information and can be specially formed to launch a website on a mobile device.

Accepted in Asia, Coming to America

At this point, QR codes are being integrated into many applications around us. However, Asia, and Japan in particular, who are often on the cutting edge of cell phone technology, currently offer many cell phones with a QR scanner pre-installed, whereas phones from the U.S. phones require an app. More over, Japan has already heavily integrated itself with with QR codes to the point that people use it in everyday life (QR Codes – From Japan to the US).

QR Code Uses

Companies are often using QR codes as redemption codes; for example “scan this QR code to get a free song” was something I encountered on a Taco Bell drink. Other than that, QR codes can be a simple way to bring a potential costumer or user to a specific web link. They have been used by companies for treasure hunts, on business business cards, and put on objects for people to access blogs, portfolios, Facebook pages, and even tutorial videos.

Also see:

High Tech Mobile Marketing – NFC (Near Field Communication)

High Tech Mobile Marketing – Short URL’s