![How to use QR codes [the barcode squares] to get apps](/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/barcode_site.png)
I recently got an email from someone asking, “What do I do with the barcode squares?” This is a common question asked on this site, so I figured that I might as well make a post explaining why those black and white lines in a box appear on the website so often.
The “barcode squares” are QR codes, a two-dimensional bar code that can store information like URLs. We use QR codes as an easier way to share links to apps in the Android Market. We do this because the Android Market has a surprisingly terrible search mechanism and it’s not easy to find some apps. To combat that problem, Androinica.com – like many Android websites – incorporates QR codes as a shortcut to finding those apps.
Here’s how to use the QR codes to make finding apps easier. Below is a QR code for one of my favorite Android apps, Key Ring Rewards Card.
Barcode Scanner is required to read the QR code. To get the app, open the Android Market and start a search for “Barcode.” You’ll see several options, but ignore all of them and scroll down to an app labeled “Barcode Scanner” and download the application.
After the app is installed, launch Barcode Scanner and you’ll see a red line across the screen. Move the phone forward to make the viewfinder zoom in on the QR code. The light from your computer screen will occasionally make it difficult to read. If that occurs, back up from the screen and then slowly move forward until the QR code comes into focus.
Once the code is read, a notification will come up that there is a Found URL. Click the “Open Browser” button and it will then bring up your application in the Android Market. Voila, you’ve got your app link. Now you know how to use QR codes.
There have been issues with certain users being unable to scan QR codes because of their phone model (i.e. Galaxy can’t read it but a G1 can). If you have trouble scanning a code, try closing the application, make sure your camera lens is free of smudges, and then reattempt. If that doesn’t work, you’ll just have to search the Android Market and cross your fingers. Good luck!
November 5th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
How would I go about including QR Codes in a blog of my own, if I wanted to write an article about android apps?
November 6th, 2009 at 12:35 am
I typically get them from AndroLib.com or Cyrket.com, two great options for browsing the Android Market from the computer. (Cyrket is down at the moment).
November 6th, 2009 at 2:18 am
http://www.qrstuff.com/index.html
I've also used the above site to generate android non android links alike.
November 7th, 2009 at 3:43 am
here is another: http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
you can get to the code project from there and also an online decoder too
still haven't figured out a usefulness for any of it besides just linking to market
i guess you could make stickers with your website URL and post them on the bus
November 9th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
There are lots of examples of how QR codes are being used at http://www.qrme.co.uk/qr-code-news.html and http://www.qrme.co.uk/qr-code-news/qr-code-video….
Regards
Ian
November 19th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. Put the actual URL next to the %^&$&* bar code. This is SO STUPID because it makes it impossible for any device that does not have a camera to use the system. EVERY device will have some method of keyboard entry.
Dumbing down only helps the ignorant.
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I don't understand why android phone users don't just browse your website on their phone and then follow the url to the app you are highlighting like any other link. Is this site not android friendly?
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Most of our readers browse the website from their desktop computer so it's not an issue. I'll start adding the link to the QR image so pressing it the square on your phone will open the app market.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Will this work on the HTC tattoo? Tried searching for "barcode" in the markedplace, but did not get any real results.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I haven't had a chance to test a Tattoo. However, it doesn't display apps that haven't been updated to work on smaller screens. That may be why you haven't been able to see any barcode scanner.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
hey Andrew, love your articles. Was wondering if you heard anything about folks having serious issues with WIFI on the droid. I've been through Verizon tech support and am now starting to work with Motorola support. Already replaced the phone once and now am having the same issue on the replacement phone. There's a good thread rolling on the link I list below. My own troubleshooting issues are posted on page 24 of that thread. Look for the Yoda. There are several other folks who are trying to nail down the problem as well. https://supportforums.motorola.com/thread/16191?s...
December 1st, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Do you know how to get the actual link that those sites use to generate the QR codes? It would be nice to be able to text a link to a fellow android user that will automatically open up to the market for that app when they click it.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Tattoo has no auto focus. So it is not possible to scan the codes. I hope autofocus is something they can fix with an software update. Or is it something in the hardware what should have been different?
January 4th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
I'm a tattoo user as well and is really frustrated that I can't use the QR codes.. I would be so happy to have the possibility of downloading apps to my computer first, and then sync it with the tattoo, but that is impossible when there is only an QR code….