What+are+they?

= **QR Codes ** =

This is an example of a Qr code. They are typically a white square with a black blocked pattern.

 [|Wikipedia](2011), states that "A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data" (para. 1).

This video clip is taken from an episode of CSI. It is a great introduction to what QR codes are and how they are used.

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The QR code that people are most familiar with is the Blackberry Messenger barcode. This code is used to add other Blackberry contacts to your BBM service as well as add on other applications to your smart phones. However, the first QR code was used by vehicle manufacturers to track parts. These codes have come a long way and have become much more diverse in their purpose.

Many people can relate QR Codes to the more common, universal UPC barcode found on commercial products. These codes identify specific information about a product, but are limited because of their vertical line design. According to [|QRcode.com] (2010), a QR code can carry "meaningful information in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal, hence the two-dimensional term. By carrying information in both directions, QR codes can carry up to several hundred times the amount of data carried by an ordinary bar codes" (para. 1)

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QR codes can be very useful because they can direct you to various websites for the purpose of finding product information, real estate, information on special events, flight times, weather, make purchases. They can even be coded to a person's email address, phone number, etc. The are becoming more and more popular as the devices used to detect them are used more and more.