QR Codes - Top 5 for Mash Media Oct 2011 Article.

QR Codes - Top 5 for Mash Media Oct 2011 Article.

QR (Quick Response) codes, sometimes referred to as Mobile codes or 2D barcodes are the next generation barcodes. 

Here are Five things you should know about QR codes:

1. They are Free and Universal - Just google 'QRcode generator'.  QR codes can be read anywhere in the world with the same result. A few good sites to check out: http://www.beqrious.com and http://qrcode.kaywa.com
   
   
   
2. Limited to Smart Phones - You also need a special QR code reader App installed to interpret the codes. eg. QR Reader for iPhone, QR Droid for Android, Blackberry App World App, Windows Phone 7 Bing.  For older Feature Phones, http://www.kaywa.com provides a list of mobiles they support with their Java QR code reader. 
   
   
   
3. Can store up 7000 characters - Check out http://www.beqrious.com/generator to give you a good example of what you can store in a QR code. Once printed, you cannot change the result. Test with several QR code readers with different mobiles before you print!  The more you store in the QR Code the more detailed the code is when printed which makes it more difficult to read to clearly read by the camera & QR code reader app.
   
   
   
4. You need clarity - QR codes suffer from camera flash reflection, being out-of-focus, being too far away, low light conditions and low quality printed codes.  So being an exhibitor, print clear/sharp codes; nice and big, display them in good light; in an unobstructed location to get the visitor can get a full clear photo. Don't print it so small on a brochure that the camera needs to be too close, and out of focus.
   
   
   
5. They are a precursor for NFC - master QR codes now & get ready for the Near Field Communication tag, the next generation electronic QR code! Just wave your phone near the tag. No need for cameras.  The current google android phone & upcoming iPhone 5 will bring NFC tags mainstream.