QR Codes...What are they?
A QR (Quick Response) Code is a readable barcode consisting of an arrangement of black and white squares that contains information about the item to which it is attached. They have become popular because they're read faster and can store much more data than UPC barcodes. There are QR code reading apps for Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Windows phones so QR codes can be used on various smartphone operating systems. QR codes have a variety of applications including advertising, entertainment and transportation ticketing and product/loyalty marketing (e.g. coupons). They can be found in magazines, on all sorts of products including food, signs, business cards or on almost any object about which users might want information. Anyone with a smartphone equipped with a camera and a QR code reader app can scan a QR code to display text, contact information or open a web page in the phone's browser.
After downloading one of the apps below to your smartphone, try it out by scanning the QR code to the right and see where it takes you! |
QR Code Reading Apps...What are they, why do I need one in my geocache search and how do I find one for my smartphone?
QR code reading apps read a variety of barcodes, UPC codes and QR codes and then direct you to information. When you find one of my geocaches, it will have a QR code. Just use your smartphone to easily and quickly scan the QR code you've found and you'll be directed to information about the geocache location you have discovered.
If you don't have a QR code reader on your smartphone, check out this list of free apps I put together:
Free Apps for All Smartphones
Android Apps
IPhone Apps
Blackberry Apps
Windows Phone 7 Apps
If you don't have a QR code reader on your smartphone, check out this list of free apps I put together:
Free Apps for All Smartphones
- i-inigma -- One of the top rated Android barcode scanners. Works for QR code and other barcodes types. Shopper feature lets you search for low prices from online retailers.
- NeoReader – Scans a variety of codes including QR codes and UPC codes.
- Tap Media’s QR Reader – Only works with QR codes.
Android Apps
- i-inigma Barcode Scanner – One of the top rated Android barcode scanners. Works for QR code and other barcodes types. Shopper feature lets you search for low prices from online retailers.
- ShopSavvy – Scans QR codes and UPC codes and finds the best prices near you.
- ScanLife Barcode Reader – Works for both QR codes and UPC codes.
- QuickMark QR Code Reader – Allows you to grab data from almost any mobile barcode format.
- QR Pal – Saves each of your codes and sorts them for you.
- Barcode Scanner – Allows you to scan all kinds of barcodes including QR codes. In addition, you can look up prices and reviews.
- QR Code Reader – QR codes and bar codes all supported.
- Barcode Generator/Reader – Reads QR codes and allows you to generate your own.
IPhone Apps
- ScanLife Barcode Reader – Works for both QR codes and UPC codes.
- Barcode – Only downside is that you have select which type of code you’re scanning rather than the app automatically detecting it.
- QR App – Doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you’ll find in other apps. It simply scans an image and provides you with the result.
Blackberry Apps
- ScanLife Barcode Reader – Works for both QR codes and UPC codes.
- QR Code Scanner Pro – Uses a Blackberry’s camera to recognize and scan QR codes.
Windows Phone 7 Apps
- Quickmark QR Code Reader – One of the easiest QR code readers to use. Automatically scans multiple bar codes formats including QR codes and UPC codes.
- QR Code Reader – Scans QR codes quickly and saves the information on your phone.