QR Codes: Technology's Best Kept Secret

Not too long ago we were introduced to the concept of QR codes. Despite the fact that this technology has been around for many years in Japan, it has only seen a recent influx into Western culture. However, despite its influx, there are still people who are not only unfamiliar with how the QR codes work, some don't even know they exist. Sure, they see them when they enter a tourist trap or maybe in the supermarket, but they don't think anything of it. They go about their day and don't think about it again. This is, for the most part, how I was living in our society. The only twist is that I knew QR codes existed. I was unaware that they had not only landed in Western culture, but that they had exploded in popularity with the prevalence of the SmartPhone industry. Once I was introduced to the fact that we are utilizing the QR code to an extreme, I began to notice it more and more. Now, I can't go a day without seeing at least one QR code, if not a dozen. These tiny, pixelated boxes are on every object from food containers to energy bills. I recently got my electric bill and, wouldn't you know it, there's a QR code on it. Now being technologically behind, I had to take this QR code into a virtual reader after scanning it, but it produced the company name and my bill! Amazing, really. One could say that this is becoming a faster and more efficient way of communicating than texting proved to be.

Here's an example for those unfamiliar. It'll take you to my website...

After the novelty of the concept wears off and one is able to think rationally again, the QR code seems to offer a fairly extreme set of bonuses and drawbacks. For now, we'll take a look at the bonuses. For one, these codes are easy to generate and usually free. You can simply search "QR code generator" in Google and a plethora of options are displayed. Not only can one make these QR codes in a matter of moments, but some sites allow you to customize the QR code with color or a graphic in the center. This makes the creation process fun and enticing for those who have an affinity for customization, the arts, or even a teenager seeking individuality. The wonderful part about these codes is that there is not knowledge gradient to use one. All one needs is a QR reader in their phone, iPad, or other tablet device and they can instantly access the information stored within these codes. They are also incredibly fun to scan as one never really knows what they are going to get when they scan them. Unless, of course, they are labeled. Hypothetically, these codes have the potential to transmit data without the worries that are plaguing the internet at the moment. There is no issue with copyright and there is no "file-sharing" to be worried about. A few months back www.reddit.com had a picture that showed a use of QR codes that makes an lexiphile like me squeal (see below). However, with every novel concept comes a drawback.

Using technology to promote reading the classics? Yes, please...

Despite the fun, the novel concept, and the ease of use, there are some drawbacks to this concept. For starters, the concept requires technology that is still very expensive for the average consumer. The Japanese have integrated software into even the most basic phones to read QR codes, while we are restricting the use of QR codes to SmartPhones. This is seeming foolish as, hypothetically, any phone with a camera could easily utilize the Augmented Reality software to read the codes. Instead, our phone companies want us to pay another $30 a month for a SmartPhone data plan and the hundreds of dollars that the phone will cost. Similarly, tablet technology has recently adapted, but raises the same issue: with what money? Since most of this technology starts with the huge price tag of $400 for the base models, average consumers are just not going to be able to utilize this. Perhaps the biggest drawback of this technology is its inability to be effectively used in the classroom. A project the requires the students to utilize their cell phones, though ideal for motivational purposes, would alienate students who might not be able to afford the required technology, and wouldn't be allowed in most cases by the administration. In the school that I'm observing this semester, cell phone use carries as much punishment as a violation of the strict dress code. So, with schools locking down the use of personal electronics, how is one to effectively utilize such a technology without coming under scrutiny of the administration?

Sometimes it seems that these are considered weapons in school...

All in all, this technology is quite intriguing. The future for its use and application seems quite hearty and hopefully it will become available to those who aren't willing to shell out the money for the most expensive technologies. Only the future will tell...