Microsoft Finally Willing to Admit the Existence of QR Codes

More than that, actually. While the proprietary Microsoft Tag will continue to exist, our favorite Redmond behemoth has walked back their belief that the closed-system, not-free, Microsoft-created, MS-server-reliant should by rights will rule the 2D world.


Because 2012 Windows phones include NFC capability, their MS Tag now includes support for (free, open-source, non-proprietary) QR codes and the sweet future-tech du jour of NFC (near field communication).


From the horse's mouth.

Experts Agree: Don't Be Dumb About QR Codes

Mashable's got an urgent warning for scanners of QR codes- that code is infected! With a VIRUS!

And Kaspersky Lab would like you to know about the malicious malware being distributed via QRs.

My two cents: QRs themselves cannot be "infected"- they're a static pattern of black on white which contains a URL, plain text, a phonebook contact or other data expressed in letters, numbers and punctuation.

However, if you allow your phone to follow a link within a QR code, it can take you to a site on the internet where nasty viruses, malware, adware, bugs, bots, trojans or worms may lurk, ready to creep onto your phone and ruin your day. So be smart about it! Pay attention to the source of the QR. Don't visit questionable links. Don't approve weird downloads to your phone. Have fun out there.

Free 2012 Calendars With Visual Puns and Easter Eggs From Azalea Software, Inc.

Come to azalea.com/calendar and get your 2012 calendars. This is the 10th year (who's counting?) we've done calendars and this year doesn't have a theme like years past. All Jerry wanted to do was have fun.

So, in honor of 2012 being a leap year this year's calendars have visual puns, not-so-hidden clues, and multiple mixed messages waiting for you to discover.

Don't take my word for it. There are press releases (so it's gotta be true): press release #1   press release #2

Where Did That Amazing Thrift Dress Come From? Scan It & Find Out!

Zachary Sniderman at mashable.com reports on the Oxfam Curiosity Shop, a temporary shop within a London department store that benefitted Oxfam's charity efforts.



Find the perfect swanky item of clothing, scan the QR on the tag, and view a video of the celebrity donor's personal story about when and where they wore it. While the Curiosity Shop closed in April, hopefully we'll see more collaborations of cool clothes, cool technology, and an excellent cause.

QR Codes and Tattoos: Have I Died & Gone to Heaven?

A tattooed Frenchie named Marco got a marketing QR code inked on his chest. The QR is encoded with a URL, where an animated version of the tattoo sings.




HOW AWESOME IS THAT? I'm planning my next tattoo as we speak.

UPC Art : Form or Function?

An interesting piece in the Wall Street Journal has some really nice examples of gussied-up UPC barcodes. Which is more important- for a barcode to look pretty, or for it to function as it should, scanning accurately time after time? Clearly, done correctly, it can do both.

The Gray Lady Hips to QR Codes

You're the Boss, the small business tips column in the New York Times online today has a fun read about Ayara, a Thai restaurant in LA incorporating QRs into their menu.

And they remembered to optimize their QR landing pages for mobile phones- hurray!

QRdvark In the News

QRdvark, super-coolest free generator of perfect QR codes* and the awesomest QR-reading Android app in the universe** get an appreciative shoutout from Curtis Finch at Inc. Magazine this month.


QRs are finally hitting our shores, folks. QRdvark makes it easy to get your business into the palm of your customers' hands. Literally! If you've never heard of QR or think that apps belong on menus, grab your teenaged neighbor and ask them to bring you up to speed.



*this is 100% true. Also, the makers of QRdvark are very good-looking.

**scientifically proven in 1881 by Lloyd T. Rickenstacks, Certified QR-ologist and Town Barber/Veterinarian.