The first thing you need you need to do is install a QR code reader.  If you have read my other posts about scanning mobile barcodes you may remember that I recommend the Inigma barcode scanner for smartphones.  After testing with multiple mobile devices, I have found that the inigma barcode scanner works well with tablets.

To install the inigma QR code reader, visit your tablet’s app store and search for inigma.  Install the app on your tablet by tapping the button labeled, “install.”

Once the inigma barcode scanner is installed, tap on it to open it.

Place your tablet’s camera over the QR code you wish to scan (see photos below).  Inigma will then decode the QR code and display the contents on your Samsung Galaxy Note or Samsung Galaxy tab.

Get access to additional resources for NFC, QR Codes, and mobile technology.

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy S3 Stylus – CPen
• Samsung Galaxy S3 Accessory
• How to scan QR codes with Samsung tablet
• Learn how to use NFC on Samsung Galaxy S3

The post How to scan QR Codes with Samsung Galaxy Note appeared first on MSLE.

I find this at Game Stop in Columbus,  Ohio and of course I got my smartphone and scanned it and discovered that it led me to a YouTube video promoting a video game. 

The counter top display looked awesome and it definitely got my attention. Sony did a great job with this QR code campaign for the following reasons:

• The display was attractive

• The QR code was large enough to be easily scanned and it was designed in such a way that grabbed the attention of people looking at it.

• Sony used YouTube to display their promo video.

This was an awesome and cost effective way to promote their video game.

Way to go Sony PlayStation!

The post PlayStation uses QR Codes with YouTube appeared first on MSLE.

I was very excited to see this national chain using QR codes to promote their new rewards program. Although scanning the QR code didn’t work, I was eventually able to sign up by modifying the URL in the browser on my phone. They have great incentives for signing up so I did it to take advantage of them.

Other than the QR code not working correctly due to it pointing to the incorrect URL (web address) the experience was great! The sign up page was mobile friendly and they offered great incentives for signing up.

I have included a screenshot of the TGI Friday sign up page for the “Give Me More Stripes” customer loyalty program.

The post TGI Fridays Uses QR Codes to Promote VIP Rewards Program appeared first on MSLE.

You don’t have to use your finger!

The C Pen actually feels like I am holding an ink pen!  I am able to take quick notes on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and even draw diagrams and other pictures using the C Pen And S Memo app.

I have included a few pictures of the Samsung Galaxy C-Pen Stylus Pen for Galaxy S3
as well as a few screenshots of how I used it.

Here is a page on Amazon.com that shows more information about the C Pen (stylus for Samsung Galaxy S3)

Get access to additional resources for NFC, QR Codes, and mobile technology.

Samsung

• How to scan QR Codes with Samsung Galaxy Note
• Samsung Galaxy S3 Accessory
• How to scan QR codes with Samsung tablet
• Learn how to use NFC on Samsung Galaxy S3

The post Samsung Galaxy S3 C Pen – Stylus appeared first on MSLE.

Take a look at the photos of the Lightlife product and mobile landing pages that I included in this post. I scanned the QR code with the iNigma barcode scanner on my Samsung Galaxy SIII. Try scanning the QR code with your mobile device to see some of the delicious looking recipes they provide. You can use any barcode scanner, if you need help with scanning QR codes check out this article.

The post Vegetarians Benefit from QR Codes appeared first on MSLE.

You may have noticed the QR codes on the shelves where Classico pasta sauces are sold. I almost missed it, but I am glad that I saw them. Classico placed QR codes on the shelving boxes at local grocery stores. When a Classico QR code is scanned it leads users to a mobile friendly landing page that provides recipes for the various pasta sauces.


This is one of the best uses of QR codes I have seen by a major brand. They hit all of the major points involved with using QR codes:

Incentive for scanning the QR code
Great placement on packging/sized large enough to be noticed and scanned
Mobile friendly landing page

In my opinion, it would have been added value to place the QR codes on the Classico pasta labels as well. This would allow for consumers to scan and get recipes when they got home. Another way to boost sales using their QR code on the labeling would be to offer coupons or a special offer to customers when the QR code is scanned.

I included screenshots of some of the mobile landing pages from Classico’s pasta sauce recipes. Try scanning the QR code in the image above so you can see it on your mobile device.

Podcast

Listen to the podcast to learn more!

The post Recipes via QR codes- A lesson from Classico appeared first on MSLE.

I like the concept, however;  there are a few things I would change to make the campaign more effective. 

First, the Hidden Menu QR code should be larger and placed in multiple locations throughout Panera Bread.

Next,  there should be some information about the Hidden Menu QR codes in the restaurant to create awareness for the customers. 

Last, the landing page should be mobile friendly.

I think Panera’s Hidden Menu with a QR code idea was great, but the menu selections were limited… including some vegetarian selections would have been nice, and again, using the suggestions I mentioned above; larger QR code, better placement and a mobile friendly landing page, would have made it to be a much better experience for customers.

I have included a screenshot of the Panera Bread Hidden Menu web page so you can see how the landing page looked on my Samsung Galaxy S3. I am sure the look would be similar on other smartphones as well. If the Panera Bread QR code was scanned with a tablet, such as an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Note, or Samsung Galaxy Tab, the experience may have been a little better.

The post Panera Bread Launches Hidden Menu QR Code Campaign appeared first on MSLE.

Dairy Queen did a great job with the signage and placement of the QR codes, but the QR codes lead to the desktop version of their website. It was difficult to view their website on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and their site had a feature that allows users to build a cake…but this was designed for larger screens.

This campaign would have been better if it lead users to a mobile friendly web page with this feature.

Take a look at the photos of the Dairy Queen QR code campaign that are included in this post.

The post Dairy Queen uses QR codes in Restaurants appeared first on MSLE.

Aside from Samsung’s use and promotion of NFC to transfer data between mobile devices, it has also gained popularity in the area of marketing. Samsung has an awesome NFC campaign that involves posters enabled with NFC tags that allow users to download songs by tapping their phone on the posters.

As I stated in a previous blog post about Samsung’s use of NFC, I feel this is an awesome campaign and great use of NFC tags for marketing.

The question remains, “Will NFC replace QR Codes?”

Before we answer this, let’s look at some of the functionality available with NFC and QR codes.

NFC tags:

• Share contact information
• Direct users to URL
• Update Status on Social Media sites
• Make a call
• Send a text message
• Check ins
• Show address or location
• Tags must be manufactured and purchased from a store (online, bricks and mortar)
• Requires an NFC enabled phone.

QR Codes:

• Share contact information
• Direct users to URL
• Update Status on Social Media sites
• Make a call
• Send a text message
• Check ins
• Show address or location
• Can be printed on virtually any type of material (paper, stickers, shirts, hats, etc.)
• Can be created free on virtually any type of computer
• Can be printed on virtually any type of printer
• QR code readers are free and can be downloaded from any app store for virtually any smartphone.

As you can see, the lists are very similar…except for the cost. There is an initial cost associated with implementing a NFC campaign. On the other hand, QR codes are free to create and print and, in my opinion, make them a top choice for any size business that wants to try them with minimal investment.

I see the benefits of using both, and at this time I do not feel that NFC tags will replace QR codes, but there may be some cases where they can be used together.

The post Will NFC Replace QR Codes? appeared first on MSLE.

Watch this video to learn how to create Valentine’s Day E-cards with custom messages created by you for that special someone.

When you create your Valentine’s Day E-card on the Mobile Site Link Exchange website you will receive a customized e-card with your name on it and the person’s name you are sending it to and a custom QR code… all ready to print on your favorite photo paper.

Valentine’s Day E-cards are a great way to add a little mystery to traditional cards. Create your Valentine’s Day E-card below.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

The post Valentine’s Day E-cards appeared first on MSLE.