(QR Code from our InnCredible Events WeddingWire site)I love these little guys! QR codes and Tags are literally popping up everywhere...especially in all your favorite magazines. In fact, in my newest issue of 'Get Married' magazine, I counted 20 Tags; beginning with one right on the front cover.
I first learned about these cuties at the Wedding MBA conference in Las Vegas last year, and have been fascinated by them ever since. They're quickly becoming a necessity for the busy bride on the go because they allow her to scan and capture information on her phone. Amazing!
So, what exactly are they codes and tags and how do they work? Well, I'm not expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I'll try to explain as best I can...
A 'QR Code' is a simple square image made up of black and white geometric designs that's captured by your cell phone and automatically connects you to information without any typing. Originally designed in Japan for Toyota, QR Codes have been around for about 15 years, but in the past year, have become extremely popular. Below is the QR Code for our InnCredible Events blog. And once you have the app on your phone, you can check it out.
'Tags', on the other hand, were developed by Microsoft and tend to be more colorful, but do the exact same thing as QR Codes. According to Microsoft, 'When you scan a Tag using the free Tag Reader application on your mobile phone, it will automatically open a webpage, add a contact to your address book, display a message, or dial a number.' Cool, huh?
And Tags can be customized so they take on a 'fun' look, allowing companies to put their personal stamp on their Tag.
In order to use these Codes and Tags, you first have to download the apps on your cell phone. There are several different options available, and all are free. I have an iPhone so I used 'QR Code Reader and Scanner' and 'Tag Reader' as my apps of choice. 'Get Married' magazine recommends 'gettag.mobi' as a Tag reader. Check your App Store for the options available on your specific phone. And if you were lucky enough to just get a new phone...good news, these apps are already installed for you.Once your app is downloaded the rest is simple. Just open the application on your phone, center the QR Code or Tag in the square on your screen, and depending on your application, either snap a picture or let the application do the work for you. The rest is magic! Your phone will automatically bring up whatever is contained within the cute little box you just scanned. Again, amazing!
Now that you know about this new technology that seems to have exploded on to the scene, see how many of them you find as you go through your day. I hear they are even being used on electronic billboards in NYC to help companies market their products. Wow! What's next?
Making your wedding InnCredible!
InnCredible Events
949/887.9629
949/887.9629
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