You might have seen a bunch of squigly-looking squares on Android-related websites whenever a specific app is mentioned. These are called “QR Codes” and they are a type of barcode. A QR code, derived from “Quick Response”, is a two dimensional matrix bar code created by a Japanese corporation back in 1994 to allow its contents to be decoded at very high speed. They are similar to the barcodes you have already seen on books and items on the grocery store, except that QR Codes are two-dimensional instead of one-dimensional like the common ones.
QR Codes can contain information or instructions. They can hold your business card information for example, or ask your browser to open a specific website, display text, send an SMS message. When related to Android apps, the QR Codes instruct your Xperia X8 to open the Android Market and pull up the specific app associated with the QR Code. It won’t actually download or install it, but it will take you right to the place where you can see the app description and decide whether or not you want to install it.
Today morning I found this comment
and decided to do
guide how to scan QR Codes with the Xperia X8.
Here it is:
- All you need is a barcode scanning application. One of my favourites is the cleverly-titled, Barcode Scanner. Go to Android Market on your Xperia X8 and search for “barcode” or “barcode scanner.” You can choose any app that appears in the results, but I personally like and use ZXing Team’s appropriately named Barcode Scanner. I also use the Shop Savy for reading QR codes.
- Find any QR code: You can just use this one. It’ll take you to the Skype app on the Android Market.
- Open the Barcode Scanner app. Find the newly installed Barcode Scanner app on your Xperia X8. It’ll be sitting along with all the other apps under the main menu. Just open it.
- Scan the Skype QR Code or any other QR code.
With the Barcode Scanner app open, you’ll see that it has launched your camera viewfinder. Point the camera at the QR Code and hold your device steady. Hit the button to scan the code. This will scan and read the contents of the QR Code and display it to you. When the QR code is read, you’ll hear a beep (depending on which scanner/reader you’re using) and then see a screen similar to the one above. The app will show you what it found in the code and give you options so you can decide what you want to do.
At the bottom you’ll see options to “Open Browser” or share via email or SMS. Tap on “Open Browser” and you will then be taken to the Android Market with the page for the Skype app.
You can do this for any QR Code. Most of them in the Android world will take you to the Android Market for a specific app. QR Codes are now popping up in magazines and public spaces and these often carry other information such as a website or email address.
Happy scanning!
Do you have a question? Leave a comment.
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nice thanks