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Crack the Quantum Code With This Handy QR Code Guide
Posted by Nick Broughall at 1:00 PM on October 9, 2008
So we've been pushing QR codes pretty hard here on Giz this year - what with our comp to win a PS3 a few months ago and now with Sony's Quantum Code competition. But in case you're wondering how the hell you decode a QR code, we've put together a little guide for you here, which should help everyone solve the next clue in the Quantum Code.
If you're a NextG customer, you may have the easiest route to decoding QR codes out of everybody - you can quickly and easily download some QR decoding software through Telstra's MyPlace portal, depending on your handset. The compatible phones are: The HTC Diamond, Nokia E51, Nokia N95 Gold, Nokia 6120 Classic, Sony Ericsson W760, Sony Ericsson Z750i and the Samsung U900T. If you don't own one of these handsets, don't despair - there are other ways out there.
For iPhone owners, head onto the App Store and check out Barcode. It's free, and relatively easy to use, although it can be a bit temperamental at times.
For Nokia owners, Nokia have their own QR code reader available here. It doesn't work with every Nokia phone, but the also list a heap of other programs that could work with your handset. Keep in mind that your phone needs to have a camera for the software to work.
A whole heap of Sony Ericsson phones can use the Java-based Qode software available here (you'll need to go via your mobile's browser).
If you use a Windows Mobile device, there are a few different options, but the quickest and easiest is probably to check out Quickmark (it's a Taiwanese site, but there are pictures and English on the screen). Pick your handset and download the software.
If you just want to decode from your PC, well that's possible too. Save the QR code as a greyscale bmp image on your PC, then go here. Browse for the image and enjoy the results.
Of course there are countless other ways to decode QR codes. If in doubt, try a google search for your handset and "QR code". Or if you know of some really solid QR code software we haven't mentioned, tell us about it in comments. Then go and decode that Quantum code - we need a Gizmodian to win that $15K worth of Sony kit...
Comments
kieran
Posted October 9, 2008 1:32 PM
i just don't get it. what is wrong with something that is human readable? I don't have a qr code phone, and the quickmark site is just as confusing as the technology. The whole idea is rather useless in consumer terms. Why do I think that? Because a confused zebra-crossing-gone-horribly-wrong can't just be pitched to someone without 'the right phone' or to someone who cannot be arsed pulling one out to find out what mystic info it might encode. I bet one thing though, that whatever it is, it will push the user to some form of advertising, or a site designed to generate advertising revenue or sell something.
Its another story altogether for logistics and manufacturing companies though, I can certainly see a zillion uses for it there.
Cam
Posted October 9, 2008 2:32 PM
I've got the Kaywa Reader for my Nokia (http://reader.kaywa.com/) and it is much faster than the Nokia app. It also works on some SonyEricsson and Motorola phones.
Antony McGregor Dey
Posted October 9, 2008 2:36 PM
You can also download the most appropriate reader for your phone from QMCODES. Just text the word reader to 042983688. We will detect your handset and redirect you to the most appropriate reader for your phone.
You can also create your own codes with tracking and analytics by logging into http://m.qmcodes.com/qlytics Please note Q-Lytics is still in BETA and being refined, but it does what it says on the box!
Cheers,
Antony
Merzmensch
Posted October 9, 2008 9:33 PM
You can also do it on PC with bctester (http://www.bctester.de/en/index.htm), it's pretty good freeware and can analyse comlexed or damaged codes too.
streetstylz
Posted October 10, 2008 1:01 AM
qode is not outfitted to read QR codes. Download the NeoReader instead.
http://www.neoreader.com
:)
Danny Housseas
Posted October 10, 2008 1:19 PM
Insqribe.com lets you create QR Codes, manage, analyse and track their use. You can also link to your twitter account and youtube videos.
It's fully featured, fully functional and FREE!
Check it out and let us know what you think.
Danny
Mark Hendriksen
Posted October 23, 2008 10:17 PM
This is just a 'fun' application using QR 2D codes and Code Readers (for those who have a mobile capable of reading QR) - UpCode do a "FREE" (subject to your operators charges and contract) download http://www.upcode.co.uk/page/1346211 so you can get a QR reader to your phone - and DataMatrix (another 2D code, + even a 1D barcode reader on certain models.)
There are far more intelligent uses for mobile code reading(check the UpCode website at http://www.upcode.co.uk) and those of you without smartphones or Symbian can still read codes - things are moving fast in this area so keep watching this space.