Friday, May 6, 2011

Problems Facing QR Codes - And Solutions to Fix Them

QR codes are touted as the wave of the future in terms of marketing and many other possibilities, but today's consumers are not all necessarily equipped with a smartphone or the add-on QR scanner/app that is required to be able to read them. One reason is that many of the phones today do not include a Code scanner as standard software on their phones. Another emerging revelation is that many of the scanner apps are not as reliable as they should be to in order to consistently read them correctly.

Testing Your QR Code Scanner

Once you have a QR scanner it is important to test it to see how it works, as not all are created equal. A QR code scanner can pick up all types of data that is embedded in a Code of QR graphic such as videos, text, website links, email address, or other customized information such as a grand opening for a new store.

At this time there is no set of industry standards for QR Reader Applications to create a system of consistency in the Quick Response Code reader industry. There is currently one company that has created a QR Code Reader test that you can use to test your own Quick Response code scanner to see if it works properly. Access to the test area can be found here: Quality Standards of QR Code Test v1.02 The test is really designed specifically for app and scanner programmers to be able to test for quality assurance and deliberately showcase flaws within their scanner so they can be rectified. This in turn will create a better end product for customers to use and be able to enjoy all of the benefits of scanning Codes of QR.

QR Code Readers Available

This technology is clearly in its infancy as reading Codes works best on a smartphone - and if you don't have one you are out of luck unless you get the free add-ons that are available from the provider of your phone. But don't despair because just like every other technological breakthrough - time will present solutions to these problems and Quick response Codes are definitely here to stay.

Here is a list of some recommended QR Readers:

For iPhone - Qrafter

For Android - Barcode Scanner

For Blackberry - QR Code Scanner Pro

For Nokia - Maemo/Meego Mbarcode

For Other Devices try Kaywa or QuickMark

Color Card Administrator is the parent company of PrintBusinessCards.com and several other innovative business card websites, we're eager to share with you what it is we do. Give us a call today at 858-522-9335 or email at Author@CardAdmin.com. We look forward to discussing your comments, suggestions, or hearing any ideas for future article topics you may be interested in regarding Online business cards design or business card management.

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