When I first came across the idea of QR codes and the potential changes that this emerging form of technology and communication would have on society, I was blown away. To think that we have relied so heavily on the 1-dimensional bar code for years, it only made sense that the QR code “revolution” must be ushered in if we are to keep up with the times. Even more so, with the amount of data and potential that this technology holds, it seemed as if the possibilities for storing and exchanging information were endless. However, after hearing the presentation I am not so sure that QR codes will ever really “get its feet wet.” This somewhat seems to me as a sort of “HD DVD” solution to problem of an effective and efficient way of remembering and exchanging information. As James alluded to it almost seems as if the QR code is a stepping stone to the “Blue Ray” technology of the future. As well, with the inclusion of not only QR codes, but also Shot Codes and Data Matrix, it seems the industry lacks a sense of standardization which could drastically limit its scope and success.
I couldn’t help but think that the “contest” could actually serve a greater good beyond simply promoting “The Boarder.” If users are required to download a QR code reader in order to participate in the contest then that will not only increase ownership of the reader but will also spread the word about the code itself as well. It might be possible that the technology hasn’t exactly taken off as hoped because people are still unfamiliar (or in most cases) do not know it actually exists at all. Did someone say “scavenger hunt”?
http://2d-code.co.uk/yomiuri-shimbun-qr-codes/
As well, it seems strange that for QR code alone there exists AT LEAST 3 different “readers” to allow the user to obtain the required information, with each reader offering a specific scope or direction. Why would I download 1 reader that decoded SMS messages, another that decoded text and finally another that decoded images? Is it just me or does it not make sense to include all these functions in one reader? I understand that there are corporate and political and $ aspects that need to be taken into consideration, but coming from a consumer standpoint, I think it is same to say that simple, compact and complete sells.
Another interesting point that I have been internally considering and contemplating is the sheer “convenience” factor that QR codes seem to provide. Does this actually exist? I understand that texting might be slow and tedious and the display quality and size of cellphones might not be adequate, but obtaining QR code data seems personally to not solve any of these aforementioned problems but simply add another step. Instead of simply typing in the URL using your Blackberry or cell phone, we first take (or scan) for the picture, then click the link before finally being redirected to the web page. But it doesn’t solve the problem of the inadequate “real estate” space that normal cell phones present. And this is where I think the ability to not only obtain the QR code, but to forward it to your email or personal computer is a necessity. Developers, designers and programmers spend countless hours working to create vast and detailed websites, most of which cannot exactly full sell us on their product with a pixelated 3″ x 3″ screen. So while I believe that QR codes present the ability to obtain data, I believe that the ability to forward this obtained data is a MUST.
While the majority of focus was directed at the QR code within the mobile environment, it is also interesting to see the potential impact that it could have outside of the airwaves.
“By using QR codes, newspapers can send readers menus, specials and addresses of reviewed restaurants to help people make a better choice about where they want to eat on Friday night. Event previews can also include data that will sync with a phone’s calendaring service so users never forget when they need to buy tickets.”
http://2d-code.co.uk/campaign-poster-qr-code/
“In the upcoming German elections local council candidate Dr. Wolfgang Heubisch is making history. He is the first politician in the world to use a QR Code on his campaign posters. The QR Code resolves to a mobile site where users can have a simplistic ‘interactive dialogue’ with Heubisch.”
Moving on… to the iPhone 3G and the SDK.
I think this has great potential not only within the developer community but also for the “thinkers” out there who have the ideas but how never been able to get their ideas to transpire into tangible programs or applications. Not only does the SDK allow people with the ability to see their dreams turn into reality but also to see their credit card bills and mortages disappear after some long nights of programming in their mothers basement.
http://www.iphonebuzz.com/trism-has-made-250000-so-far-194756.php
However, the real question it seems lies with when will the iPhone be able to handle Flash. We all know that furthermore it is not a question of can but a matter or when? Currently, reports are conflicted. One day it seems like development has began…
http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/adobe-says-flash-is-coming-to-the-iphone/
And the next day (literally) we aren’t so sure…
http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/19/adobe-flash-for-iphone-might-be-a-little-harder-than-we-thought/
One thing is for sure that with Flash the iPhone will be one step closer to being the true “all in one” that it so righteously claims in the various Mac vs. PC ads. However, the war is still being waged behind closed doors with who exactly is going to foot the bill. It makes sense for Apple to pay for Flash because it would drastically improve the potential that already exists hidden inside the phone. On the other side of the coin, since it seems like Apple is doing just as well using the Objective C programming language and “in house” solutions, so should Abobe pay Apple to increase the usage of their own software? One thing is for certain that if Flash is not included on the next update of the Apple iPhone, there are going to be some pretty pissed off users.
- Matt Walker
