Big Q(R)
It’s not often that I learn something when I am sick. Usually, I try and recuperate as quickly as possible so I can get back on my feet again. Sometimes, that means depending on sleepy time meds, so it was while I was trying to temp my body to pass out that I noticed the QR code on the back of my NyQuil bottle.
QR codes, or Quick Response, are a multidimensional bar code which looks like a pixelated UPC and has layered data embedded that can be decoded via a program on your mobile. Usually, it’s as easy as taking a photo or scanning the code with a mobile app. Consider tallying your shopping items while you pick things up, only to have your order zapped to the cashier for quicker purchasing (or purchasing via a digital wallet). Scan a QR code in a movie poster and view the trailer on your mobile right away. For more on QR codes, read up on Wikipedia’s QR codes entry or Wired’s QR introduction from back in 2004.
Since my interest in mobile opportunities had recently been revived, I decided to try and see what Vick’s had embedded on the bottle of green-flavoured cough syrup. I pulled out my trusty iPhone and shot a few blurry photos of the image in hopes of capturing the code. Unfortunately, with the iPhone 3G’s limited camera capabilities (no zoom, low-res), I wasn’t able to get a clear photo. I tried 4 different apps (ScanLife, QR app, QuickMark* and Barcodes) to no avail. QuickMark was the only paid app of the group, but it and Barcodes was highly recommended on several sites.
My mobile contract is coming up on a year which will allow me to upgrade to a 3GS phone soon, so hopefully the new camera will allow me to get in on some of the cooler mobile features. Anyone else try to scan their NyQuil, or am I just delirious* (*warning – Denis Leary language)?
I have the iPhone 3Gs and the Griffin macro-lense case. Using QuickMark, it works very well for this kind of close-up photography and scanning.
I believe it may be time for me to upgrade to a 3Gs. I’ve been hearing good things about the macrolense attachment. Good to have your endorsement. I’ll be heading to the apple store following my upgrade it seems.