Archive for March, 2012

Happy Spring! (sort of). We have fantastic weather this week in Fayette, with record highs into the upper 70s! It’s Iowa though, it will probably be snowing next week! (I hope I’m kidding)

So you’ve probably seen these around lately :

Is this some type of new-age art? No, it’s a QR code. We’re seeing them pop up on TV, billboards and even wedding invitations. What are QR codes?

QR codes are essentially an advanced barcode. A barcode like you see on your cereal box at a supermarket only holds data in a horizontal plane. QR codes on the other hand, encode data both horizontally and vertically in a grid of tiny squares. QR codes were originally used to track auto parts, but now have much broader commercial use. The QR codes are very versatile, as they can be read from any angle, while regular horizontal barcodes must be read at a specific angle. This makes QR codes very easy to use.

So, how can you read QR codes? Typically, they are read by smart phones. All of the major operating systems, iOS, Android and BlackBerry all have apps that utilize your phone’s camera to scan a code. All you do is launch the app, point it at a code, and you achieve your results.

Which brings us to my final question, what can you do with QR codes? They can be used to share information like business cards, send commands to visit websites or even RSVP you for a wedding. In fact, I recently received a wedding invitation that asked me to RSVP by sending them a postcard via snail-mail OR by scanning the QR code. Since my hand-writing is… not very pretty… (ha) I decided to take advantage of the QR code to RSVP. I scanned the code with my Android phone and it directed me to the website to RSVP. I simply filled out my information and was RSVP’d for the wedding! Very simple and instant.

It’s easy to create your own QR code too! If you’ve tried out the one above, it will take you to my about.me site. Visit this website to create your very own QR code. I use mine in my email signature! http://www.qrstuff.com/

Where have you seen QR codes? Leave me a comment. Enjoy the rest of your week, I’m off to watch some March Madness!