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 SignaturesPromotional – Free Item, Special DiscountFunctional - Redirect to Mobile Website, Send to Company Website, How-to, Instructions

4. How Are QR Codes Being Used?Business Cardshttp://www.fastcompany.com/1585822/business-card-just-scan-my-qr-code5 Unique Ways to use QR Codeshttp://mashable.com/2009/01/07/qr-codes/QR Codes on Winehttp://mashable.com/2010/09/01/cellar-key/QR Codes for Small Businesshttp://mashable.com/2010/06/23/qr-codes-small-biz/Facebook PromotionsPosting a QR Code with a link to a promotion on Facebook.Mobile Site RedirectsRedirects a user to the mobile version of the site.http://www.centernetworks.com/qr-code-mobile-commerce-ralph-laurenPaypal Paymentshttp://www.androidguys.com/2010/03/04/download-portapayments/Airplane Boarding Passeshttp://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/continental-airlines-to-continue-using-qr-codes-for-boarding/Name Badges at ConferencesT-shirts for eventsArtworkQR Code Real Estate Lawn Signhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/tikaro/2888182451/

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

6. Where Are QR Codes Being Used?Japanhttp://blog.cliffano.com/2009/05/18/qr-code-usage-in-japan/http://whatjapanthinks.com/2005/09/26/qr-codes-extremely-popular/Artworkhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_CodeRecent 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-twitterGenerate 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.aspxMicro QR Codes http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/microqr-e.html