Tag: scanlife

QR codes confronted with threat of being replaced

| November 9, 2012

 

qr codes replacement threatQR codes seeing rampant use that may soon render them useless

QR codes are popular in marketing and widely used around the world. The codes have proven useful in engaging mobile consumers in a dynamic way, allowing marketing campaigns to target people that have a history of being difficult to engage. QR codes saw early success when they first began seeing widespread use in the mid-1990’s, and now companies eager to appeal to mobile consumers are using the codes as much as possible. Without a clear strategy, the value and impact of QR codes has begun to diminish and many consumers are now wary of the codes and avoiding them entirely.

Poor experiences generate consumer fatigue

Poor execution has created consumer fatigue where QR codes are concerning. Spire Research, a market analysis firm, notes that QR codes are now only used by a minority of consumers that are exposed to them. Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research, claims that QR codes have established a foothold in the print industry because they are considered examples that a magazine, newspaper, or other publication has adopted a more tech-savvy stance, not because they are being widely used.

Augmented reality and NFC technology may be more effective than QR codes

QR codes are coming under threat from other interactive technologies that may be more effective marketing and commerce tools. Augmented reality, for example, has proven popular among advertisers that want to provide consumers with dynamic digital content. In terms of mobile commerce, NFC technology is king. QR codes have been used in past mobile commerce initiatives, and are still considered an effective way to sell products to mobile consumers, but NFC technology is more capable in this realm than the codes.

ScanLife sees problems with widespread QR code usage

Mike Wehrs, CEO of ScanLife, a mobile engagement firm renowned for its use of QR codes, claims that the abundance of QR codes may actually be their downfall. Because so many companies make use of the codes without ensuring they provide quality experiences to consumers, many people are being put off by poor execution. Wehrs notes “just because you can place a code on something, doesn’t mean you should.”

ScanLife looks to break down language barriers with QR codes

| November 7, 2012

 

qr codes technologyScanLife introduces language detecting QR codes

ScanLife, a leading mobile platform specializing in QR codes, has announced the release of language detection for its QR codes. These codes will be able to detect the language settings of a user’s mobile device, thus delivering content in a language they are comfortable with. Language detecting QR codes could have profound implications for several types of mobile-based services as they will make these services more accommodating to people that may not be comfortable with a particular language.

New codes may bring universal appeal to marketing campaigns

In terms of marketing, the new ScanLife QR codes could give universal appeal to any marketing campaign. The codes could effectively remove any language barriers that exist between countries and cultures. This would make marketing campaigns able to connect with a wide range of consumers, many of whom may have been inaccessible in the past due to the ever present language barrier.

QR codes support 12 languages, more to come soon

Currently, 12 languages are recognized by the new ScanLife QR codes. When these codes are scanned, the language settings of a smart phone or other mobile device are detected. The content that is delivered to the consumer is then translated into the language they are comfortable with. Though the codes support 12 languages, the system is only able to translate 6 of these effectively. ScanLife is continually developing their platform to expand the capabilities of its language detecting QR codes.

QR codes continue to prove popular amongst businesses and consumers

According to a report from ScanLife released earlier this year, scans of QR codes have jump by 157% in the first quarter of 2012 over what they had been in the previous year. The company notes that the codes are becoming much more popular amongst both businesses and consumers because of their ability to provide quick access to digital content. The codes have yet to show any signs of losing the favor they have gained from either party.