QR codes explained

In July 2008, Google announced it was to support the creation of ‘QR codes’ as part of its Google Chart API. Put simply, this means web developers can easily generate the mobile friendly codes on-the-fly and integrate them onto web-pages as simply as embedding an image.

For the uninitiated, QR codes (which stands for ‘Quick Response’ or ‘Quick Read’) are a type of 2-D barcode which can be scanned by most camera phones to access information in an instant. Working much like a bar code scanner in supermarkets, scanning a code using your phone can bring up a web address, a line of text, or a telephone number ready to add to the address book, doing away with the need to type in lengthy web address text or remember a string of numbers.

Thought to be first used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing in Japan, QR Codes are now used to provide mobile users with instant data via newspapers, magazines, tube ads, buses and even via business cards.

Try it now

If you’re new to QR codes, why not try scanning the QR code below? To scan the mosaic-like code, you’ll need to check your phone has a QR code reader installed. If not, visit a free QR reader download site (try http://www.i-nigma.mobi) while browsing the web on your mobile.

Once there, the i-nigma site will automatically identify your handset type, download and install i-nigma.

Once downloaded, open the i-nigma application, point your phone’s camera at the code and get ready to download some useful Cimex information we’ve embedded in the code.

Owners of Apple’s iPhone will need to go to the App Store and download apps such Upcode.