How to create and use QR codes for your newspaper
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Image by akaalias
There’s no doubt that QR codes will be big business in the U.S. in no time. Now that you know all about them, and how they can be effective, it’s time to start using them!
Which phones can scan QR codes?
From what I’ve read, a variety of cell phones are already compatible with QR software.
HP, HTC, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Pantech, RIM Blackberry, Samsung and Sony Ericsson are among QR-ready phones. If you’re phone maker isn’t listed here, don’t fret. QR readers are also programmed for Java-enabled and Windows mobile devices. Just make sure your gadget has a camera phone!
Download a QR code reader
Kaywa Reader - Probably the most popular reader software. Nicest looking site too for any downlable QR code mobile software.
Google’s zxing reader - Google released a very early build of their QR code reader for the Android system that works on several phones, including the iPhone. I wouldn’t recommend jumping on Google’s solution until they roll out something more official.
Couple others: Comments lists these as the two top readers: i-nigma and QuickMark
Create your own QR codes
Kaywa QR-code generator - Create QR images for URLs, Text, Phone Numbers and SMS. This version is for non-commercial use. Also sports datamatrix generator and feed to mobile features.
Nokia Mobile Codes - Phonemaker Nokia provides web apps to create your own QR codes and shows off a couple of ideas of how you can share your codes, including putting them on t-shirts (already thinking of shirt codes for when I visit Japan this summer).
Winksite - Looks similar to the Kaywa code generator, including creators for data and RSS feeds.
Denso-Wave creators - downloadable software from the company that created QR codes in the first place.
More resources
QR Code News - Blog with more resources on QR code news, photos and happenings. If you want the latest scoop on this technology, read this blog. Check it out!
QR code photos - Check out the pics tagged with QR Code on Flickr to see these babies in action
Other 2D Barcode Technology
Semapedia - Create 2D barcodes for Wikipedia links! Looking further into if these use QR tags or not.
ScanLife - Software works with a large variety of phones, including Blackberries. You can also download the software by texting SCAN to 70734. - Note: According to comments, this is NOT a QR code system and users must PAY to create codes - thanks Stan.
Start creating and using!
There you have it folks. QR codes are coming and they look to make a huge impact on the way print interacts with web and mobile. Have you spotted any in your town yet? Read my entire series on QR codes for more info.
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April 9th, 2008 at 6:13 am
[…] How to get started with QR codes […]
April 9th, 2008 at 10:12 am
good post, but one big mistake. Scanlife uses not QR codes, they use their own proprietary code system that is not alike QR codes and they are trying to sell. Also the most potent readers in the market are quickmark.com.tw and i-nigma.com. On semapedia.org we maintain a list of them.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Thanks Stan. Checking into it - much appreciated for the links!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:59 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) 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.
NeoMedia was demoing the newly developed iPhone application at CTIA Wireless this past week. According to a representative at NeoMedia, “We are extremely pleased with the new NeoReader iPhone application. In addition to making phone calls, playing videos, and listening to music, your iPhone can now scan 1D and 2D barcodes to connect directly to the mobile web. Mobile codes allow users to by-pass search engines and long URLs to deliver real-time content that can be carried away with the consumer on the mobile phone.”
Currently in Beta, a public release of the NeoReader iPhone application is anticipated soon.
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.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:04 am
[…] How to get started with QR codes […]
May 9th, 2008 at 11:57 am
So I have heard that there are QR readers for RIM Blackberry 8130, but I have yet to find them … everything listed here hasn’t worked so far. Anywho…