Every year something pops up that is "hot" in the technology world. This year it is going to be QR Codes. A QR Code is a two dimensional bar code that can be scanned by a mobile phone and direct the person scanning to a website or additional information usually found on the Internet. QR Codes are considered the next big thing for marketing in the US and the QR Codes are starting to pop up on printed marketing pieces.
QR Codes storing addresses and URLs (web addresses) are starting to appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any object that users might need information. Users with a camera phone hardlink or physical world hyperlinks, equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL. This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink or physical world hyperlinks.
A smart phone with a special QR Code reader is required to scan the code. All smart phones with a camera have the ability to read QR Codes and most offer a free QR Code reader app.
Not only can QR Codes be used for marketing material. Educators are using the codes to direct people using training materials to other reference materials. Restaurants are using the codes to provide diners with additional nutritional information. The sky is the limit for uses of QR Codes. Some marketers use the QR Codes on post cards where the code leads the receiver to more information about the product or service on the web.
