Our Opinion/ QR codes take you to places where few have gone before

By Duke Schempp
Contributing Writer

Last week you may have noticed some interesting graphics in the HPR print edition. Emboldened black boxes mixed with blotches are spattered about the paper and labeled Iphone/Android. At first glance one might think they are advertisements for smart phones or low resolution logos. Those square patterns with black ink on a white background are actually the newest bar codes called Quick Response codes or QR codes. These futuristic looking squiggles are becoming the smart way to bridge the gap between the written word and the web.

A QR code is basically a two dimensional bar code that can be scanned with your iphone, ipad, android, blackberry or many varieties of smart phones. Once you scan the code with your device you will be taken quickly to a website based on what was put into the code. For a few examples, look at last week’s Music story by HPR Staff Writer Jeannette Madden. Jeannette did an interview with Dave Simonett, one of the members of the acclaimed bluegrass band Trampled By Turtles. Reading the interview leaves you wanting to hear this band and the closest they will get to Fargo in the next few months is Detroit Lakes in July at the High Plains Festival. For those of you that own smart phones, you are in luck. Using your phone to scan the QR code you will immediately be taken to a YouTube video of the band playing “Victory.”  A few pages later you can read a snippet about James Osborne’s (AKA Kung Fu Jimmy) latest podcast “Alabama Song.” Instead of waiting to get in front of a computer to download the podcast, scan the QR code and you can hear it instantly on your phone. For those of you that may be a bit uneasy with new technology, have no fear. QR codes will make your life easier and you will be amazed at the coolness and variety of what these codes will do for you. 

Scanning these codes brings you information you need and makes the hassle of memorizing long web site links a thing of the past. Imagine seeing a recipe you want to make. Usually, you begin jotting down all of the ingredients before you head to the store. A QR code on the recipe could contain a link to a page that lists all of the ingredients. You simply scan and save the code and you bring up all the ingredients on your smart phone while you are shopping. Soon, QR codes will be appearing everywhere. In catalogues, on brochures, on posters, on products, on food, on gum wrappers and even on beer cans. Imagine a QR code on a park trail sign, giving you up to date information on weather, trail conditions, hazards and current naturalist programs. Codes will appear in print and on objects designed to give you quick and current information to help you take immediate action based on the information.

HPR is proud to be the first publication in the region utilizing QR codes. But, innovation is nothing new to HPR. We were the first to launch Best Bets, sound clips, video clips, and podcasts in our paper. Our competitors rush to catch up in using these technologies that HPR pioneers. And we’re sure that just as in the past, it won’t take long for the competition in the area to follow our lead on QR coding. But like anything, there has to be a leader to show the way. And, as usual, HPR is here to take readers on this new journey. With the popularity of smart phones this innovation will allow your reading of the HPR to be more enjoyable and dynamic. If you are not familiar with your smart phone’s QR code capacity, here are some hints from HPR. 

If you are using an iphone, ipad, or itouch, HPR suggests you download this recommended free application (app) to begin scanning QR codes: Qrafter. Developed by Kerem Erkan, Qrafter is fast, reliable and free. For Android phones QR Droid, rated by PCWorld with a 5.0 out of 5 stars, is our current suggestion. If you have a suggestion for the best Android app, let us know and we will produce a QR code in a future issue of HPR.

How to use Your Smart Phone to scan a QR code:
1: Download and install your QR apps.
2: Pick up the latest issue of HPR and look for a QR code.
3: Activate the application and hold the phone over the QR code. Make sure your phone can see the entire code, and that your code is evenly lit.
4: Once your phone application reads the code, it will be processed and the next screen will give you options. The you can begin the journey directed to wherever the code is going to take you.

~Number One, Engage!~

Questions:  Contact Duke Schempp at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)