Scanning a Matrix or 2D code with a smart phone camera will allow you to access websites, get real time information, and transact business from anywhere — standing at a bus stop movie poster, reading a newspaper ad or staring at a house “for sale” sign — scan the 2D code and see the listing or single property website, watch a virtual tour or video, get a zestimate, dial up or email the broker and even put down a binder– all without leaving the curb. We are going mobile kids and the 2D bar code should be big business for online companies– offline!
A 2d code looks like something like this (there are many 2D code variations, some are even in the public domain. The QR code seems to have a lot of support, especially in Japan):
create your own 2D code at NeoReader
2D codes are used in 35 countries and will become more widespread in the US. Maybe at the next Inman Connect we will be shooting each other’s business cards to access profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook or any other social media site.
What will this mean? For me, it means that while the herd is running away from print advertising to put more of their eggs in the online ad basket, the really smart kids will be going offline to capitalize on this exciting new advertising medium to get their BRAND in front of consumers on the street– the mobile consumer has been unchained from their home computer. Smartphones will better connect the offline world to the online world.
Print is not dead. Those that think it is, might be.
Further reading:
White paper on Mobile codes 2008 (pdf. Open Mobile Alliance)
Choosing the best 2D bar code format for mobile applications (pdf. semacide 2006)
US Patent Office reject all 95 NeoMedia code patent claims (Dean Collins blog) NeoMedia of Fort Myer, FL is a leader in the 2D space.
RFID: Subway Rides, Movie Tickets and Hamburgers : Just the Beginning (Sellsius)
An entire blog based on QR Code.
Technorati Tags: 2D barcode, matrix code, neomedia, neoreader, mobile web
