Mobile Barcodes Finally Catching On In The US?
Quick response (QR) codes, or scannable mobile barcodes, that can hold web page URLs or other content in them, are popular in Japan, but have been slow to catch on in the US. RCR News has a feature saying that the “odd-looking little images” may finally be taking off ten years after they were first introduced.
The codes have recently been getting a lot of play in the UK. paidContent:UK reports today that the BBC is rolling out mobile “barcodes” that could deliver programme information to handsets. The BBC has added a QR code to every programme information page - part of a beta development listing credits, transmission dates, even embedded iPlayers - for all BBC shows (here is this week’s Panorama as a QR). Though not yet promoted (add “/qrcode/” to any PI page), one possible application is to direct TV listings mag readers to more mobile programme information. UK tabloid, the Sun, launched a QR advertising service in December and reported recently that it has signed on 11,000 registered users to the service in a month’s time.
The US’s first mobile barcode feature came from GoAmerica, which had been testing a mobile application that allowed people to comparison shop using their phones. But it and other barcode applications stumbled to gain traction—mostly because of interoperability issues with MMS and lack of mobile web enabled phones. RocketBux ceo Fred Boos noted in the early days of their mobile software company, only 7 percent of phones had WAP capability, while today, that figure is at 58 percent.
RocketBux recently created a barcode service for the Bend, Oregon Mt. Bachelor ski resort that lets visitors click on a link embedded into a daily weather alert sent via SMS that then directs them to a barcode coupon that can be redeemed at the resort.
QR start-up ScanBuy has a downloadable application that reads mobile barcodes and is using them as a way to boost advertising—much like The Sun’s efforts in the UK. The barcodes can be put in magazines, on billboards, and in television shows to name a few. Once a person has downloaded the reader onto their phone, they can take a picture of the barcode, which will then send them to a mobile web link allowing them to download content or get more information.
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Comments (4)
Jan 22, 2008 11:35 PM
Consumers can also get a free reader of these same types of codes and more at http://www.neoreader.com
The Neoreader allows consumers to click on 1D, direct and indirect 2D codes, Aztec codes, logos, keywords, RFID, etc.
Simply, the consumer has more options with the Neoreader.
Why would I (a consumer) download a reader on my mobile device that does not offer the best options for finding information in one click?
Jan 23, 2008 12:27 AM
I just think its rediculous that Scanbuy and Neom only offer solutions which link to proprietary backend systems and do not offer readers that work like the rest of the world does. You should not have to be locked into this proprietary system when the code itself can contain the full URL, Click-to-Call Phone number or full SMS call-to-action.
Proprietary 2d code reading backend systems will be good for secure information retrieval and perhaps able to provide additional tracking metrics or location information.
Jan 23, 2008 6:01 AM
There are a view other interesing things about Tagging:
Nokia:
83.145.232.112/scan.htm
Kaywa (3G-Vision):
reader.kaywa.com
feed2mobile.kaywa.com/
Google will also join the Bandwagon:
mobile.moblog.ch/mobile-tag/sbb-google-usw-mobile-tagging-haelt-einzug.html
Jan 29, 2008 4:47 AM
Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader features NeoMedia’s patented resolution technology combined with Gavitec’s ultra-small footprint and platform independent algorithms. It is able to read and decipher all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec, Maxi) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and all 1D UPC/EAN/Code 128 open source codes. The NeoReader supports direct and indirect code linking, which guarantees maximum interoperability with already existing platforms like 2D Data Matrix Semacodes, and Japanese QR links. This allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed on their mobile device.