QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by smartphones and store text, URLs, or other data. They are commonly used for promotional purposes like providing discounts, or functional purposes like redirecting users to a mobile website. Some examples of QR code uses include putting them on business cards, product packaging, event name tags, and real estate signs. Many large companies have adopted QR codes, such as Toyota, Facebook, and Google.

1. 2D / QR Codes (Quick Response Codes)

2. What is a QR Code? "A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data." Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code

3. Why Would I Use a QR Code? Informational - Contact Info, Event Info, Secret Information, Email Signatures Promotional – Free Item, Special Discount Functional - Redirect to Mobile Website, Send to Company Website, How-to, Instructions

4. How Are QR Codes Being Used? Business Cards http://www.fastcompany.com/1585822/business-card-just-scan-my-qr-code 5 Unique Ways to use QR Codes http://mashable.com/2009/01/07/qr-codes/ QR Codes on Wine http://mashable.com/2010/09/01/cellar-key/ QR Codes for Small Business http://mashable.com/2010/06/23/qr-codes-small-biz/ Facebook Promotions Posting a QR Code with a link to a promotion on Facebook. Mobile Site Redirects Redirects a user to the mobile version of the site. http://www.centernetworks.com/qr-code-mobile-commerce-ralph-lauren Paypal Payments http://www.androidguys.com/2010/03/04/download-portapayments/ Airplane Boarding Passes http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/continental-airlines-to-continue-using-qr-codes-for-boarding/ Name Badges at Conferences T-shirts for events Artwork QR Code Real Estate Lawn Sign http://www.flickr.com/photos/tikaro/2888182451/

5. Who Is Using QR Codes? Toyota (DENSO created the QR Code) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denso Facebook (Experimenting with QR Codes that link to profiles) http://techcrunch.com/2010/03/16/facebook-qr-code/ SXSW Name Tags http://www.fastcompany.com/1585822/business-card-just-scan-my-qr-code Google "Favorite Places” http://www.google.com/help/maps/favoriteplaces/business/index.html Real Estate Agents http://realestate.about.com/od/realestatewebsites/a/qr_codes_realty.htm ArtPrizehttp://www.mlive.com/artprize/index.ssf/2010/09/artprize_debuts_qr_codes_for_smartphones_as_experiment_with_exclusive_event_information.html List of Massive Brands Using QR Codes http://www.qre8.com/blog/marketing/list-massive-brands-using-qr-codes

6. Where Are QR Codes Being Used? Japan http://blog.cliffano.com/2009/05/18/qr-code-usage-in-japan/ http://whatjapanthinks.com/2005/09/26/qr-codes-extremely-popular/ Artwork http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code Recent Uses of QR Codes http://socialwayne.com/2010/08/06/codes-examples-marketing-businesses/

7. When would you use a QR Code? Foursquare Checkinshttp://thewildfirecompanion.com/2010/08/ideas-for-the-future-of-qr-codes/ Update Twitter http://bbh-labs.com/using-qr-codes-to-update-twitter Generate Likes on Facebookhttp://www.allfacebook.com/qr-codes-facebook-2010-08

8. Other QR Code Options? Microsoft Tag "Scan Tags from your mobile phone for instant access to information, websites, videos, reviews, and more.” Source: http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx Micro QR Codes http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/microqr-e.html