QR

Bitcoin explores QR codes

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Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority or banks; managing transactions and the issuing of bitcoins is carried out collectively by the network. Bitcoin is open-source; its design is public, nobody owns or controls Bitcoin and everyone can take part. Through many of its unique properties, Bitcoin allows exciting uses that could not be covered by any previous payment system.

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USPS Considers Scannable Codes For Direct Mail

The U.S. Postal Service, which is seeking ways to boost the appeal of direct mail for marketers in a changing technological landscape, is considering including scannable codes on advertising mail. It would allow recipients to interact and provide feedback to advertisers, according to a new report from the USPS office of the inspector general.

In the proposed system, direct mail recipients would be able to use their smartphones to scan a code or symbol -- such as a QR code, image recognition code, or “intelligent mail” barcode -- to access a feedback form or other response mechanism, with coupons or other rewards offered as an incentive.

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Finally, an Alternative to the Much-Hated QR Code

Marketers have been trying to make print and outdoor ads interactive for years, but despite their efforts, consumers are largely rejecting QR Codes. Can a new technology called Clickable Paper reboot those efforts?

Imaging and electronics company Ricoh introduced Clickable Paper two years ago, but the company just introduced iOS and Android apps in the United States late last year. (A similar app has been available in Japan since 2012.)

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QR codes out and scannable images are in at Louis Vuitton

The luxury designer brand has changed their advertising to take out the visually unappealing barcodes. Despite the fact that Louis Vuitton has taken QR codes out of its print advertising, it is still maintaining the scannability of its ads by making it possible for smartphone and tablet users to scan the entire image instead of just a little barcode.

The QR codes were the first step to bridging the gap between print advertising and the digital environment.

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Google uses NFC and QR codes to offer entertainment downloads at airports

Domestic passengers flying from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports can now download movies, music, apps and books direct to their Android device using Near Field Communication (NFC) and Quick Response (QR) technologies.

Google has integrated the technology into 39 digital advertising screens at the three airports. Passengers simply have to tap their NFC device against the screen or scan the QR code to connect to the Google Play Store. They can then control the digital billboard using their device and download content using the airport’s free Wi-Fi.

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4 BIG Reasons Why Direct Mailers need to think “Digital” and Mobile

Smartphone usage is probably the biggest thing to happen to marketers since the inception of the Internet itself! Mail plays a particularly strong role with the smartphone, but only if used properly. QR codes could be on the brink of extinction if they don’t start being used more effectively – by making the site mobile friendly, and by making forms less effort to type on.

Pairing direct mail with video and social media, through QR codes or using apps for scanning automatically, makes your campaign mobile optimized. 

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QR Codes Are Dead, Trampled by Easier-to-Use Apps

I was an early proponent of QR Codes, but now I have to admit that they are history. Invisible ink and augmented-reality apps are replacing the clunky codes. The new technology is superior in that you don't have to take a picture of the code, which then records your contact information and sends you to a website, video or document, or sends you a text message giving a web address. With the new apps, you just run your smartphone over the content and get the enhanced features immediately.

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