Chris pointed me to this article about Quick Response (QR) codes. Basically they are square graphical looking barcodes like this:
They are square because it allows them to hold more information.
So what?
In a nutshell, advertisers can put them in print ads, subway posters, etc. and people take photos of them with their cell phone cameras. This then processes the image and for example takes the user to a URL (where they can buy tickets for the movie advertised in the advert.) It can also be used to dish out vouchers and a whole host of other things; the only limitation marketers face is their own imagination… and fear of accountability!
“QR codes are now popping up on Japanese business cards, allowing somebody to snap a picture with a cell phone and save the bother of entering a new contact's information. Last month, McDonald's began putting the codes directly on food packaging so that Japanese diners could get nutrition information instantly.”
Why is no one doing this in South Africa???
We are a nation of cell phone fiends. We love the things! If I’m not mistaken we were at one point the fastest growing mobile phone user base on the planet!
Surely this is an opportunity waiting to happen? Anyone know anything?
