Random Culture

The Future of Mobile: QR Codes

Don't know what a QR code is? Better find out soon... QR codes are being used extensively in mobile marketing campaigns overseas, and are starting to make a breakthrough in the US. Quite simply, a QR code is a "matrix" bar code that was developed in Japan. The QR stands for "quick response", and is being used in marketing for mobile users to take a picture of the code or read the code with the cameras on their phones and trigger an action on their mobile phone. It could be a content download, a message or link to a mobile site.

Companies can create a QR code that's uniquely their own, and implement it anywhere their imaginations lead to do some interesting things. The only caveat is that mobile users who want to interact with the code must have a software on their phone that can utilize the camera to read the code. While phones overseas are beginning to implement these as a standard software on phones, in the US you'll likely have to prompt users to download the software. Don't fret, though, as you can have them send a text message to a short code and download it, if they're on the go.

There have been some cool campaigns using this technology. Some examples include Mind Share's use of QR codes for Northwest Airlines to collect email addresses, Singapore Air and McDonald's have also joined the list of many marketers using QR codes. In fact, recently, I saw an ad in a magazine for Sprint that introduced readers to the QR code. It's only a matter of time in the US before we begin to see this used more extensively. 

One of the more recent interesting uses I've run across is QR Kill, a real-world game where players "kill" one another by taking photos of the other's QR codes, which they wear on their backs. You can read more about QR Kill at this QR Code blog.

To learn more about QR codes, you can also read this article at the Mobile Marketing Association site on QR codes.

Guitar Hero 3 On Mobile?

I was shocked to see an ad on a website today that touted a mobile version of Guitar Hero 3... Who could imagine someone plugging a giant plastic guitar directly into your phone, and then squinting as you try to make out the notes on a tiny screen you are somehow holding in front of your face while your two hands are occupied finding the right green or blue button.

Of course, that's not how the mobile version of Guitar Hero 3 works. They've re-purposed it well for the mobile platform, with different keys on your phone replacing the colored frets on the guitars. I wasn't able to download the game as it's incompatible with my phone and carrier, so if anyone tries it out, let us know!

The Never Ending Web Page: Orange UK

Orange UK has launched a new website, created by Poke London. According to Ian Tait, one of the founding partners of Poke (who also writes a great blog), it's a "never ending web page." The site can be found at: www.goodthingsshouldneverend.co.uk. It may appear at first that there's not much there, but dig around a bit, and you'll find lots of things to click on.

Boost Loopt: Social App for Mobile

Boost Mobile has launched an interesting mobile application called Boost Loopt. It's essentially a mobile social networking app that brings location into the mix. You can share your location, see the locations of your friends, and even be notified via text message when one of your friends is nearby. Good to see this type of innovation happening from one of the little guys.

Nokia 6131

Nokia has launched a great site in Ireland for the 6131. It's very clean, but with some fun interaction. The soundtrack might start to get on your nerves after a few minutes, but it's worth a look.

Wifi Phone for Skype

Forget your VoIP service or your mobile carrier for a minute. Belkin is selling a wifi enabled Skype phone! Why is this important? You can get totally free, unlimited phone service. Seriously.

I've been distancing myself from the mobile carriers recently. Not too long ago, I dumped Sprint and went to T-Mobile, specifically for the wifi enabled smart phone they were selling. Finally, I could get online with a mobile device from ANY hotspot, and I wouldn't have to pay for a pricey "Internet plan" from my carrier.

Skype released a mobile version a while back, and I knew some folks who had installed it on their wifi enabled smart phones, allowing them to make calls without going throughout their carrier at all. And then Skype announced that they were offering FREE calls, not just PC to PC, in the US and Canada for the rest of this year.

Can you envision a future where there are no mobile providers anymore? Where wifi if publicly available and free, and you can make calls over the web instead of cellular networks? You should try.

Convergence, Finally

If you want to see what convergence looks like, check out the video below. It's a demo of the Slingbox mobile service that allows you to watch the live TV from your house on your mobile device.

This is one of the most exciting things I've seen in a while. If you're a consumer or a geek, you'll love this video. If you work for a television service provider, brace yourself.

Creepiest Viral of 2005

Virgin Mobile in the UK has created what is arguably the creepiest viral campaign of 2005. Super buff is a microsite which features a body building grandma as "Miss Super Buff." You will surely have nightmares after you watch these video clips.

Link via Adverblog.

Verizon Broadband Films

Verizon has posted three winning student films about the transformative power of broadband. Out of 29 script entries, 3 were selected, and the winning teams were given a $40,000 grant and 3 months to shoot, edit and deliver the finished films.

You can view all three films at: Verizonbroadbandfilms.com

Link via Adverblog.

Vodaphone "Mayfly"

Vodaphone "Live 24 hours" is a good looking site from Vodaphone. The site is in conjunction with their commercial about the short life of the Mayfly, and the lessons we can learn from that. While I think the direct connection to Vodaphone is pretty weak, I found the site entertaining. Users can "create" a mayfly with a personalized message, and I spent some time digging around and reading them.