It feels to me like QR codes are technology that seems really interesting but doesn’t have a practical use (or, to be cliche, it’s a “solution looking for a problem”). At SXSW in Austin this year, they put QR codes on everyone’s badge with the idea that you could scan the badge and get their contact info. I didn’t see anyone actually do it because it’s cumbersome and much easier to just exchange business cards.

In the past several weeks, we’ve seen a few startups come on the radar here (in the US) that do full image recognition in the way of QR codes. So, instead of scanning a QR code on an image in an ad, you take a picture of the full ad. No need for a special app, you just use your phone’s camera. Graphic designers like this tech much better because they don’t have to find a way to slap a black & what square somewhere in their design. A couple of the companies working on it are http://www.pongr.com and http://www.geosyncglobal.com/Kooaba.html

Great job on the show!