Digital signage appearing at the Search Marketing Expo in Santa Clara, California featured embedded QR codes. The digital signs advertised after hours events and allowed users to sign-up via an embedded QR code.
Check out the video at Creative Search Media’s website–they were the company behind the signs.
A Japanese news report details how QR codes can be used on jewelry to save lives. Codes embedded with a wearer’s blood-type, allergies, and other medical instructions could result in more efficient and accurate treatment.
via JapanProbe
Anyone who has attempted to scan QR codes with the iPhone has encountered the phone’s huge weakness: the pathetic camera. Low resolution aside, the lack of an auto-focus/ability to take macro shots makes reading 2d bar codes nearly impossible.
Griffin has attempted to solve this problem by developing the Clarifi, a slick iPhone case that includes a slidable lens for close-up shots. At $35, it seems like a great deal–you get a better lens and a case, all in one package. According to Griffin’s website, you can snap pictures a mere 4 inches from the subject (the typical lens limitation is 18 inches).
For more detailed reviews and information, see the following sites:
American Airlines is now allowing passengers in three select airports–Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles International (LAX) and Santa Ana John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)– to board using an Aztec code on their mobile phone. Codes can only be used on non-stop flights with one passenger listed. Despite the current limitations, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Japanese airlines have been doing this for a while (e.g. ANA)
Aztec is one of the three 2D barcode formats adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) namely Aztec, DataMatrix, and QR. By 2010, the IATA hopes to accomplish their ambitious goal of 100% adoption by member carriers (http://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/2007-11-10-01.htm)
Reactions to the new 2d barcode systems appear mixed. A blog search yields several first hand accounts that reveal problems with implementation (e.g. what to do with your phone when you pass through security)
Link: American Airlines Mobile Boarding Passes
Image: benh57
Via 2D Code
QR codes were a key part of a murder investigation on a recent episode of CSI.
Looks like even CBS thinks QR is going mainstream: “They’re QR codes, they’re popping up everywhere, they’re the latest thing.” (1:31) They also make reference to PostSecret near the end of the video–not aware of any sort of QR integration at this point, but it’s an interesting concept.
Via 2D Code
Via MobiADNews, BMW included 2D bar-codes in it ads primarily for research, but found surprising success through their use:
“Because the campaign was black and white, we decided to combine it with 2D bar codes, which we wanted to test.” (2D bar codes, both Semacodes and QR Codes, are also black and white). So even though 2D bar codes are not standardized or prominent across Europe, the Marketing Innovation group decided to join with the general marketing group to try them to gain experience.
As a result Semacodes were added to all the print material for the BMW 1 Series, which linked to the BMW 1 Series page on the bmw.mobi site.
And how did it work? Marc explains.
“We weren’t really expecting an enormous usage of the 2D bar code, but the very fact that we were using the code brought us a perception we didn’t have before. It was good to have a target group that is interested in these new means of communication – just having a Semacode in the ad made it more attractive to this segment.”
He continued, “maybe they would see it but not really understand it, so they would search for information and try to decode it. We got more awareness because people were discussing it, learning what’s behind it, and actually it helped us to reach prospects in addition to customers.”
“Based on this first success, the same approach was later used with QR codes for MINI in Germany and Italy, and it was also successful there. I think this shows a good fit between communication and product launch.”
Usage of QR codes in Japanese advertising is near ubiquitous, but foreign companies have been a bit slower to integrate them into their ad campaigns. Puma has begun to follow suit and is QR codes in their current ad campaign. Head on over to Japan Marketing News for more info.
Link: http://www.japanmarketingnews.com/2008/09/puma-japan-usin.html
Ishinokoe (lit. the voice of stone), a Japanese company that specializes in creating stone memorials for the dead, is offering QR code-enabled “monuments” and cards. The code on the monuments take visitors to a mobile website featuring pictures and messages from the deceased. The company also offers drivers license sized cards that have QR codes, which link to the site and contain phrases like, “I’m always watching over you…”