UPDATE: I’ve had lots of people asking if we’ve drawn this – yes we have. If you didn’t get an email from me, sadly you didn’t win. Why not try our Nokia competition this week and see if you can do better?
The image you see above this text is a QR code. You might remember them from places like Japanese graves, or Telstra’s recent announcement that their bring QR code software to NextG handsets via a free download.
But what makes this QR code special is that it’s a) Sony Australia’s very first QR code, and b) that it’s an exclusive competition to Gizmodo AU readers to win one of 10 PlayStation 3 consoles.
So how do you enter? I’m glad you asked. First of all, you’ll need a QR-code enabled mobile phone. So that means either a NextG handset from Telstra (you’ll probably have to download the software to make it work), or certain Nokia phones (with additional software) that can decrypt them as well.
Next, you boot up the software, and using the phone’s camera, you scan the picture on the screen. You’ll get sent an SMS message with a question that you need to answer in the comments section of this post.
The competition ends on Friday, July 4 at 5pm (AEST). The best 10 answers (judged by me), will get a PlayStation 3 console, courtesy of Sony.
NightCabbage
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:01 PMTechno-orienteering ;)
Just like in an RPG! lolz
Let the hunt begin…
Smacky_Wolf
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:07 PMQR codes will allow fun scavenger hunts for the tech savvy who aren’t sucked into weird marketing ventures!
stefan k
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:08 PMMost used viral marketing tool that everyone will take onboard. “A QR is a couple of hundred characters”
Stas Madorski
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:13 PMIn a world of environmental degradation, QR codes have the power to reduce the printed material demand (e.g. retail catalogue information). QR codes are extraordinary.
Michael Goncalves
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:14 PMA world with a lot more treasure hunts and puzzles like this and a world where information is literally at your fingertips.
Lomax
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:22 PMOpen source, easy access (for EVERYONE), to make and interact with these pixels (just pixels) equals limitless potential for anyone to advertise via newage graffiti.
Nathan P
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:26 PMIf how impressed I was with scanning this QR code on my phone is any indication, everyone else will consider QR codes entirely extraordinary
Mike
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:28 PMIt will be another GREAT vector for viruses targeted at mobile platforms!
Ben
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:31 PMit will force everyone to get Telstra phones! Corporate monopolies FTW!
Patrick
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:32 PMPhone: Please hold still. Please hold still.
Me: I’m holding still!
Phone: Please hold still.
Me: *rage Quit*
Tristan
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:32 PMQR codes will have minimal impact on the world due to raunchy text messages and 3G porn downloads marginalising their usage.
Adam Sweeney
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:33 PM@ LOMAX
Hey you can’t take my answer and repost it as text, (not as a QR code), if you win you owe me a PS3, lol, and Ed, just remember i posted this first and it was done in a more innovative way, lol.
Ace Kent
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:33 PMIt could open up a new range of lyrics for the Gangsta Rappers out there… look how easily it fits into the chorus of Ludacris’ hit song Area Codes!
I’ve got hoes (I’ve got hoes)
On different QR codes (QR) QR codes (codes)
Hoes (hoes..hoes) on different QR codes (QR) QR codes (codes) !!!
The world will be much more interesting!Possible the lyrics to Telstra’s new TV Advertising!
Leigh
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:34 PMMaking it a whole heap easier to find a geeky wingman when the odds are against you, yet still wearing stylish pixelated cufflinks…
Matt
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:38 PMQR Codes make a 2D picture interactive, and all the more attractive, getting web to my phone with a click, QR Codes will stick.
Timothy
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:42 PMAugmented Reality, where your ordinary world is enhanced by context relevant data and realtime imagery.
ben
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:48 PM2 dimensional barcodes one day, judgement day the next. skynet is watching.
Tara
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:48 PMWhy is it called Quick response code? I still cant see the sail ship…I have been staring at this thing for hours now.
Matt
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:48 PMA world with QR codes is more participative, allowing greater interaction with objects we once called “inanimate”.
Mr. Crash
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:55 PMMy response is a QR code, linked in my name :)
Saves on words ;-)
Finn McGrath`
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 1:59 PMQR clothing. Clothing with pattens on it which are QR, and only certain people can read it. It looks good, and contains a secret message.
Jon
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 2:01 PMThis will make the world less ordinary by increasing telco traffic – we’ve been using 2D codes in Advanced Data Capture for years: no SMS needed.
Bang on 25 words if you don’t mind a hyphen… and it’s true. There’s no need to send SMS traffic with this application – all the information is right there in the code, completely offline. The real applications for 2D barcodes are in medicine and healthcare.
Gav
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 2:15 PMQR codes quickly and easily bring the offline where I want it – online, let me show off my cool phone and impress my mates.
cobbly
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 2:26 PMIt will mean lazy people like me will never have to write anything down ever again! QR Codes – Just scan and save.
benjibuls
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 2:30 PMThey’re great for gigs, downloads on posters and hidden all over the city like DVD easter eggs.