We have all seen QR codes (Quick Response Codes), those two-dimensional barcodes consisting of black square dots arranged in a square grid on a white background. They are optical machine-readable labels attached to items that record information related to the item. Using an app on your smartphone, you can scan codes to learn about concerts and events, products you want to buy, or use it for shopping.
Another new technology is coming along and users are excited about its possibilities. Near field communication (NFC) is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish communication with each other by touching them together or bringing them into close proximity, usually no more than a few centimeters. Current and future applications include contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of more complex communications such as WiFi. Communication is possible between an NFC device and an unpowered NFC chip, called a “tag.”
Both technologies link the online and offline world and can take users to different websites, videos and other content. Both are very flexible and can be used for many applications.
One of the advantages of NFC is easier mobile payments. Because it is a contactless payment platform, customers only have to wave their NFC-enabled phones and devices to pay for their purchases. While mobile payments are also possible via QR codes, users need a third-party site such as PayPal.
Samsung has come out with their new TecTile app that allows the user to read and write NFC tags. A user can create TecTiles to change phone settings, launch applications, check-in to places, update their social status, or make phone calls or send text messages automatically.
Google has recently replaced QR codes with NFC patches for its Google Places, and also plans to use NFC for its Wallet service. Nokia announced that they were planning on using NFC, and reports abound claiming that QR codes are on the way out.
Apple, however, has shown support for QR codes by refusing to use NFC for its iPhone and iPad devices and is using QR codes for its Passbook app.
QR codes have the advantage when it comes to hardware. Right now, all smartphones come with a camera and most come with a built in QR scanner. For those that don’t, a QR code scanner app is available for free at all app stores. With NFC-enabled devices, the user may need to have the phone manufacturer specifically put the NFC chips inside the phones. In some instances users would also need to manage their NFC data via apps. This makes it more cumbersome to set up an NFC phone.
According to BeQRious, www.beqrious.com, we all win. Businesses can take advantage of both technologies to bridge the online and the offline world, making it easier for them to market and sell their products and get paid and consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases almost instantly. Both technologies can give consumers a better shopping experience.
Where do you weigh in on NFC technology vs. QR codes?