Google tinkering with QR codes for mobiles

The keen-eyed folks over at Wireless and Mobile News have spotted Google is experimenting with QR codes — which it calls 2D barcodes — in print ads.

The codes can be snapped with a cameraphone and then decoded by QR code reading software. You can encode whatever you like in a QR code, but typically they’re used to convey URLs, contact details or vouchers to your phone. So by printing a code in a magazine, companies can get all their advertising goodies straight to your phone in a couple of clicks.

In Google’s mind, QR codes are a way of bridging the online and offline worlds of advertising – “For advertisers, using 2D barcodes in newspaper ads can be an effective and flexible way to engage with potential customers. The benefit to readers is an easier, quicker way to get more information about businesses that interest them,” it says — like clicking on a URL, only these ones are in your local newspaper.

The search company has already signed up jewellery company Blue Nile as a QR codes customer.

Having tinkered with QR codes a bit, I’m always interested in why they’re not more widely used. The Japanese have been onto them for years, but there’s not much take up outside of Asia, which is a bit of a shame, given they work so well. Mind you, if anyone can get people using them around the world, it’ll be Google.