I’ve been fascinated by the emerging possible of the uses of QR Codes (2D Barcodes) with mobile phones. What are QR Codes? I found a nice explanation on 3GVision’s site:
Mobile barcodes, storing addresses and URLs, are a new and innovative way to access the mobile internet where users can use the camera on their mobile phone to scan barcodes that may appear in magazines, newspapers, billboards, LCD/plasma screens, packaging, business card and even t-shirts. A user having a mobile camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the 2D barcode causing the phone browser to launch and direct to the programmed URL. Codes can be used to provide fast-track access to mobile websites, special discount offers, send an SMS, and receive a ring-tone, save contact details on mobile address book. [ more ]
Recently the BSA Adventure Base 100 announced a ScoutQuest a scavenger hunt covering the Washington, D.C. area utilizing QR Codes for checkpoints and clues.
There are a variety of ways to create your own QR Codes:
- Google: If you are interested specifically in embedding a URL in a QR Code for websites, Google Charts API can be leveraged. Check out 2x Tips: A Brilliantly Easy Way To Generate QR Codes…
- 3GVision: 3GVision's i-nigma is the industry's most comprehensive end-to-end 1D/2D mobile barcode solution enabling mobile phone users to fast track to the mobile internet while increasing ROI for media and marketing companies. Create Barcodes
- ZXing: Pronounced "zebra crossing", is an open-source project focused on using the built-in camera on mobile phones to photograph and decode barcodes on the device, without communicating with a server. QR Code Generator
I am personally most dazzled by Zxing’s generator, that allows you to embed calendar events, contact info, email addresses, geo location, SMS messages, text, URL, and even Wi-Fi networks (SSID, security type and keys).
