The Definitive Guide to QR Code Readers for BlackBerry
RIM introduced this popular QR code technology to simplify adding/exchanging of BlackBerry PINs starting with the version 5.0 of BlackBerry Messenger and I am sure by this time, you must have used the QR Coded BlackBerry PIN image to add contact in your BBM. Before I jump to QR code readers available for BlackBerry devices, I would still like to introduce you the QR code technology and highlight the potential it holds to reshape the way we interact with other mediums via mobile devices having built in camera.
QR Code technology and it’s potential
QR Code is an interesting way of storing & exchanging text information inside images. A QR code is a 2 dimensional barcode which stores data in both the vertical and horizontal directions and hence have more storage capacity per unit area which allows its contents to be decoded at very high speed (hence QR – short for ‘Quick Response’). It was created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994.
QR Code technology is very promising and after Japan now it is being adopted almost everywhere in US including all main stream line of businesses like airlines, logistics, manufacturing, retail, advertising, governments and off course Web 2.0. Check out this search result to see it all in detail. Google recently integrated QR codes for “1,00,000 Favorite Places on Google” to unleash the power of QR code. You can add QR code to your business cards, envelopes and letterheads too.
Check out the another great innovative example of using QR codes and Twitter – used by Brazilian online book store company Editoras Online to create “living book” made up entirely of QR codes and messages from Twitter feeds. The copies of this book sold-out in less than a week.
QR Code Readers for BlackBerry
1. BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 as built in QR code reader
I would definitely encourage you to see it live on this previous post, what this built in QR code reader can do other than just scanning BBM PINs. I was quite amazed to see that fine tuned built in QR code reader to scan website URLs, dial phone numbers, downloading Apps and themes.
Pros: The best part of it is the use of auto zoom and focus mode of built in Camera, shutter click to identify the QR code image and processing it in quick seconds. To me, this is definitely a winner among all stand alone QR code readers app out there with a bonus memory you will be saving as you do not have to install any new app.
Cons: This is not a stand alone QR code reader app. It’s actually an instant messenger which does not decode all types of QR codes. The other drawback is to get to scanning mode you have to go inside the BBM, select Invite Contact and then click on Scan a person’s barcode, it’s kind of 3-4 clicks away. I am sure, there would be an app coming soon to bring it as a shortcut on a desktop to overcome this.
2. Neo Reader
Download and more info: get.neoreader.com
Pros: It is one of the oldest QR code reader for BlackBerry available in the market. It reads almost all types of QR codes. Does support almost all smart phone operating systems. Easy downloading and installing. Clean user interface. Option to enter the barcode number manually if available to decode. Has an History option to save previously analysed codes. Supports multiple languages.
Cons: Does not scan the QR code image on the fly. It needs to take a picture to analyze the Code. I found it bit slower as compared with BBM 5.0. Need to change the BlackBerry Camera settings to lower the image size for NeoReader to work. If you do not take the clear shot then you have to redo it if NeoReader is unable to analyze the code which is bit cumbersome. UI can be improved.
3. ScanLife
Download: www.getscanlife.com or Download from App World
Pros: Available to download from App World. Option to view history. Does process most QR code types including Datamatrix codes and QR codes for SMS text and phone numbers. Clean user interface and easy to navigate. Very informative help menu and easy download process. Does support multiple smartphone platforms. Deletes scanned photo automatically.
Cons: Some times unresponsive and need to capture a clear, crisp image for the app to process the QR code image.
4. BeeTagg
Download and more info: get.beetagg.com
Pros: Supports lot many mobile devices. Has the real time version available for most smart phone (BlackBerry is not included currently). Kind of just another QR code app available for BlackBerry at this point of time.
Cons: Only the snapshot version available for BlackBerry. Not user friendly interface. Too many errors to scan and analyze simple QR codes. User interface is hard to navigate. The end user experience to capture and use the app is not friendly and easy to understand for the first time users. Not easy to configure. Slow in analyzing. Not so good version for BlackBerry platform currently.
5. UpCode
Download and more info: www.upcode.mobi
Pros: More responsive than Beetagg. Very simple User Interface. Just another QR code reader app available for BlackBerry smartphone. Does support multiple smartphones.
Cons: Too many attempts to analyze simple QR codes. Only Snapshot version. (Need to take picture for app to process). Very basic app.
6. Okotag
Download and more info: www.okotag.mobi
Pros: Does support multiple smatphone platforms. For BlackBerry it’s just another QR code reader at the moment. It says BlackBerry Bold, Storm and Tour is supported.
Cons: Does not mention if OS 5.0 is supported. Cumbersome and annoying download process. Very hard to get to the download link and install. Does not work properly. Not advisable to even try to install this app.
QR Code Generators
NeoReader and Scanlife do provide an easy option to create QR codes for URL and phone numbers. Maestro, BeQRious, Kaywa, Tech-it and firefox add-in are other good alternatives. There are tons of QR code generators available which allows you to add lot more content to it. Do keep in mind that most QR codes for mobile devices support up 40-60 characters depending upon the size. More than that may not work for all mobile devices.
QR Code Decoders
There are many QR code decoders available including downloadable software for PC. I liked ZXing as it has an option to provide URL or upload the image. Does process it quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Overall, I see a strong potential in QR code technology to gain widespread momentum and acceptance in US in days to come. The day is not far in future where every mobile will have native QR code reader. For BlackBerry app developers, there is a big potential to make better QR code reader app which can read and process the codes in real time without taking snapshot or use the built in QR reader from the BlackBerry messenger and provide basic support and quick launch to read QR codes. At the moment, I recommend using the BBM 5.0 as QR code reader or at the most Scanlife to be used as QR reader app on a BlackBerry platform.
Besides using BlackBerry PINs as QR codes do you plan to use QR codes to promote your business or personal phone number or twitter id or website URL?
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[...] recently reveiwed QR code reader apps availabe for BlackBerry devices which included ScanLife as recomnded app as compared to other [...]
I have now used 3 code readers, the resident version in BBM 5.0+, Scan Life, and BeeTag.
Seems both ScanLife and Beetag need to route you through their server whereas the BB version just launches you right to the corresponding QR code info whether its a URL, phone call etc. Quick but large warning that data charges may apply and then go.
I was unable to importing an associates code from his business card. Not sure he made the code properly though.
I definitely like the BB version better. They need to put this in the main menu rather than bury it in BBM.
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