Many newspapers are slowly coming around to the idea that the news is now a conversation, and no longer a one-way river of information. And the time left to embrace that notion is dwindling.
Consumers want interaction. They are on the move. They don’t have time or desire to be trapped in a single media that doesn’t play well with others.
That’s been print’s problem for a while as new media execs have been scratching at the post trying to figure out what is the next move to get newspapers into the mobile market.
The answer may be here – QR CODES !
A new technology to the U.S., QR codes are graphic images used to send messages to mobile devices with digital camera capabilities. They’re a way of life in Japan and have been creeping into European life.
It’s only a matter of time before U.S. markets embrace QR codes – And that’s great news for newspapers!
In this series, I will discuss:
- What you should know about QR codes
- Could QR codes turn newspapers into cash cows?
- How QR codes could make newspapers relevant again
- How to get started with QR codes
- Is the future of QR codes and newspapers really that rosey?
Excited as I am? Had experience with QR codes? Share them with us in this series!
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Ever hear of the CueCat?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CueCat
http://cuecat.com/
Where you’ll find this: ”
The associated patents from Digital:Convergence, Corp. and technology behind the first-ever consumer code reader have been purchased and maintained by LV Partners, L.P.”
Ah yes, I actually have seen this product. However, it doesn’t look like this technology is the same stuff being used in the QR codes. The QR codes were created in 1994 by a Japanese company and have since become used throughout Asia and parts of Europe. I think the major problem with the CueCat is it was connected to the computer and not integrated with the mobile technology that is available today. Thanks for the mention of CueCat. That’s one item I hadn’t thought about including in this series.
Interesting. You’re right about the need for newspapers to start a conversation with readers. Looking forward to future posts.
Jeff.
http://blog.mlive.com/watershedwatch/
The :CueCat was a revolutionary product launched back in 2000 that came way before its time. It had tremendous disruptive potential from a technology standpoint, but the drawback with the :CueCat was that it was a “tethered” device — meaning the user could only scan barcodes while seated in front of their personal computer. The customer had no mobility and could not take the device with them.
Did you know the company behind the :CuCat, Digital Convergence, licensed the patent portfolio of NeoMedia Technologies before launching the :CueCat? Flash forward to today, mobile barcode reading is an everyday part of the popular culture in Japan. The technology is just now beginning to emerge in Europe with North America not too far behind. The reason why mobile code-reading is flourishing today, is because the mobile phone is portable and it can be carried with you at all times.
NeoMedia is the company behind the mobile code-reading application, NeoReader. 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.
The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry. Visit get.neoreader.com to download the free application, and instantly transform your mobile phone into a universal code reader.
Every time i come here I am not dissapointed, nice post
I followed your link from the media shift comment. Great site!
From what I’m seeing the time to tip is getting much closer. My bet is that some cell phone company – maybe Verizon/Android v T-Mobile/ Apple – is going to push some printing network to get this mainstream.
The other possibility is that some agency will want to get a headline in AD Age and push some printers into doing what I’m calling Clickable Print.
There is no doubt that QR code usage is growing! You can even incorporate your logo and pictures into the QR Code which is really cool. Check out how we are using QR Codes at PRONTO! Mobile http://www.prontomm.com. Andy Lynn
Card Swapp (iPhone and Android)
http://cardswapp.com
A truly mobile business card. When you update your info. all of your contacts will receive your updated info.