What is a QR Code?

The QR (quick response) Code displayed on the right hand side of this page, is a type of two-dimensional bar code which can be scanned with cameras on mobile devices or connected to computers. QR Codes are being used primarily to transmit small bits of data like URLs and text messages.

Using a web-enabled mobile phone with built-in camera and reader software you can photograph the QR Code anywhere (on a screen or printed) to display the relevant webpage on your mobile phone. Think of QR Codes are visual links, similar to web links, which you click by photographing.

How to Use the QR Code on Your Mobile Device

1. Download and install a QR Code reader for your device

You could try one of the following QR Code readers:

• BeeTag: http://get.beetagg.com/ (compatible with over 50 mobile phones including Apple, Blackberry, HTC, LG, Mio, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, Siemens, SonyEricsson and SPV)
• UpCode: http://www.upcode.fi/ (compatible with Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Panasonic, Blackberry, LG and HTC)
• KAYWA Reader: http://reader.kaywa.com/ (compatible with Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson)
• i-nigma Reader: http://www.i-nigma.mobi/ (compatible with Dopod, HTC, i-mate, LG, Mio, Motorola, Nokia, SPV, Palm, QTek, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and more)
• NeoReader: http://get.neoreader.com/ (compatible with Apple, Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, Siemens, Samsung and Sony Ericsson)
• Barcode, Snappr 2D and 2D Sense: Available through Apple’s App Store (compatible with Apple.

There are a lot of QR Code readers out there so if one of the above does not work for you. You may want to search online for a reader that is compatible with your device.

2. Run the QR Code reader and take a snapshot of the QR Code

Some software will load QR Code recognition right in to your normal camera application.

3. The software will decode the QR Code and will prompt an action like open a URL

Depending on your platform you will have different options. For example on the iPhone it is possible for QR Codes to automatically populate your address book or to automatically connect you to the iTunes store.