What is a QR Code?
Okay, so since these little squares are popping up everywhere, some of you may ask, “What is a QR code?” A QR Code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that has the ability to store large amounts of information. Originally used for the automobile industry, QR codes are now used for a wide variety of things such as coupons, product reviews, and much much more! The general design of the QR code is a black box with a white background; however, they do vary in color from time to time.
These little barcodes have the ability to be scanned and functional for many different purposes. Originally created in 1994, these QR barcodes were used to keep track of automobiles. When scanned, it would tell the manufacturer where the vehicle was in the manufacturing process. Its purpose is to decode large amounts of data at very high speeds. Every QR code has a different storage capacity with many characteristics that indicate how much a QR code can store.
Interjection: Okay, so I just have something to comment on because, well, because I am the creator of this site and it’s my right. ;) America needs to get up to speed on this stuff! Seriously?? They have been around since 1994!! That’s almost 18 years ago that these things were first developed and now we are just starting to see them boom in America. This is crazy! It also goes along with my theory that the cure for cancer is also out there already discovered in another country, we (the public citizens) just don’t know it! My point is that the government needs to branch out and work with these other countries that are discovering new things each and every day and bring those new discoveries over to America to share with our citizens. For a country so mighty and powerful, we are VERY behind on our technology. For example, compare bridge structures in Europe and America, or the monorail system in Japan to our subway in New York. It’s rather sad, really. We should be just as high tech and up to date as they are, but sadly we are not. Our bridges are in dire need of repair, our subway systems need to be updated….America needs a facelift!
Alright, back to QR codes!
QR codes have many uses. Most QR codes are used with mobile phones where the user can scan the barcode and retrieve information or perform an action such as sending an email, text message, adding a VCard to their contact list or obtaining product information. There are many apps out there now so you can make your own QR codes or for a more professional way of doing it, there are businesses that will actually design, develop and generate the QR codes for you!
Online Resources on QR Codes