SA's third mobile operator, Cell C, has introduced a quick response (QR) code reader, PhotoCode, which will allow subscribers to access a range of product information on their cellphones.
Traditional bar codes contain data like an item's price and weight, but the two dimensional QR codes can be read by camera mobile phones, enabling subscribers to access multimedia content.
Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt explains that this will enable inanimate matter to come alive. For example, a newspaper can provide access to a video clip, a shopping window can provide information about items exhibited, a T-shirt can carry an electronic business card, and a billboard can provide access to a concert, or provide a link to a Web site.
He says PhotoCode will also allow select South African bands to share their latest tracks, exclusive images, wallpapers and ringtones with a wider audience than before.
PhotoCode is available to all networks. MTN and Vodacom subscribers will be charged R1 to download the app; Cell C subscribers can download it for free. The operator notes that normal data rates will be charged thereafter.
QR codes are not new, notes Reichelt, but companies have been slow to realise the technology's full potential. “PhotoCode is commonplace in Japan, and Cell C is proud to be the innovation leader in SA, together with BeeTagg, the Swiss-based market leader.”
Cell C will introduce PhotoCode to the public in conjunction with media partners You, Huisgenoot, People, Sunday Times, The Times, 5FM, MultiChoice and Oppikoppi. It will be rolled out further via retailers, restaurants and bars.
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