Gizmodo: qr code

In the Future, We All Will Be Google-Approved

Brian Barrett — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST

Furthering its advances into our physical realm, Google today announced a plan to display window decals in over 100,000 businesses that will designate them as the Google's "Favorite Places." More details, a demonstrational video and Big Brother fearmongering below.

The businesses were chosen based on search rankings in Google and Google Maps, and each will be given a decal with a QR code that can be scanned with your phone to access reviews and coupons. You'll need an app to do the scanning (for iPhone users Google is magnanimously offering today's first 40,000 downloads of QuickMark for free).

It seems convenient enough, although presumably people with access to a QR scanner on their phone will also have access to Yelp or Citysearch. The main point seems to be giving Google's brand ubiquity a boost, with a Google Favorite Place sign acting as an egalitarian counterpoint to "Zagat Rated" or "Michelin Starred." And eventually, when we all have our QR codes tattooed on our foreheads, Google will let us know everything about each other right away, which will at least save us a lot of time on first dates and job interviews. [Official Google Blog]

Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton Create First Designer QR Code

Adrian Covert — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:18:11 EDT

Let's face it, QR Code hasn't been very exciting. Just dots and squares. But this QR facelift, combining the designs of Louis Vuitton with Takashi Murakami, just made Kanye make a mess in his shoes.

Jean Snow says the stylized QR code works like the standard, barcode-like graphics, while Dvice adds that its the first time Murakami's work has been interactive. Created by Japanese ad firm SET, the project is mostly just to promote other work the two companies have done together. But the creativity factor can't be denied. It's pretty neat. [Jean Snow via Dvice]

Barcodes Can Now Hold Entire Videos and Games

Mark Wilson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EDT

It seemed like magic back when barcodes could simply identify a grocery store item. And when QR codes hit the scene, pictures pointed us to URLs. Now "barcodes" have reached the next level of complexity.

Mobile Multi-Colour Composite (MMCC) is a 2D barcode technology that can transmit text, video clips, ringtones and games to mobile devices. Better than a QR code (pictured here), the user doesn't need internet access to discover associated media—the data is all in the picture.

Based upon the technology's name, we're assuming that this extra information storage was discovered in the color spectrum (by rainbow-izing the pattern), which is a similar to the way fiber optics have boosted their transmission rates over time. But it calls into question just how accurate these colors will need to be, and whether or not a sun-faded billboard might make for a funky version of Pac-Man...by adding a bow on his head or something. [India Times via textually]