QR2Look is a web-based platform that allows users to create QR codes and mobile sites for their campaigns for free!

As more and more companies begin to implement QR code campaigns, even more companies are forming to help manage those campaigns. We recently discussed Paperlinks, a company that creates platforms for deploying mobile marketing campaigns, for a fee, but I recently discovered QR2Look, which provides similar services for free.

QR2Look allows users to create QR codes, in addition to their own mobile website, allowing for an optimized experience. They seem to have created a simple user interface that allows businesses to simply enter a title, text and images for their mobile site, in addition to linking to social networking sites. Once the mobile site is created, users can create a QR code that links to this site.

One feature I don’t see is the ability to track the success of the campaign, but perhaps this feature exists but costs extra? As more companies and individuals rev up their marketing via through QR codes, I definitely see a lot more companies like Paperlinks and QR2Look popping up.

Have you implemented a QR code campaign that used Paperlinks, QR2Look or a similar service? Tell us about your campaign and how your experience went with the service by commenting below, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Connect to a wireless network on an Android smartphone by scanning a QR code!

Between autocorrect and large fingers, typing on a touch-screen smartphone can sometimes be problematic. This is particularly the case when trying to connect to a wireless network (WLAN), as sometimes there’s an extremely long password for wireless excess with a combination of letters and numbers. Luckily, with Android smartphones, there’s away around this.

Android phones encrypt their Wi-Fi access with QR codes, so you will only have to type information once. By using the ZXing generator and selecting wireless network, you can fill in the ID and password fields and generate a QR code, which can be printed or saved to your computer so that you do not have to type information each time.

Using the ZXing barcode scanner, you can scan the QR code you created and easily connect to the wireless network.

I could definitely see this come in handy if you are having visitors, or frequently go to a friends house or coffee shop to use the internet. If you’ve set up a wireless access QR code on your Android, let us know where you’ve used it and how it has helped by commenting below, or on our facebook or twitter pages.

Scanalyzer is an app that turns your iPhone into a barcode scanner powerful enough for small businesses needs

There’s a lot of apps out there that scan QR codes, but what about standard barcodes? Scanalyzer is an iPhone app that allows for barcode scanning of most common barcodes and works just like a regular wireless barcode scanner, integrating with the computer.

Ideal for small businesses, Scanalyzer allows users to turn their iphone into a regular barcode scanner for applications such as:

• Vehicle Identification Decoding (VIN Decoding)
• Request Vehicle Report
• Product Lookup from Google, Bing or Amazon
• Asset Tracking
• Attendance
• Identification – card verification
• Information Technology
• Library Services
• Retail and Shopping
• General Barcode Reading Applications

Just like with a regular barcode scanner, Scanalyzer offers computer software in order to ensure proper configuration and data transfer.

While Scanalyzer does somewhat convert your iPhone to a traditional barcode scanner, it’s important to note that for certain applications, a rugged mobile device is always best. However, I am a bit skeptical in terms of scan speed and accuracy, but if you’ve used Scanalyzer, let us know about your experience by commenting here or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Learn more about Scanalyzer by viewing the presentation below, or on their website.

baagloo is a new social network for mobile devices that integrates QR codes

baagloo is a brand new social networking site specifically designed for use on mobile devices. Members of the new social network make QR codes using baagloo’s QR code generation features and stick them on the things that interest them most.

Businesses are also starting to use baagloo. Camera maker Canon has started using baagloo as part of a promotion in Belgium. Shoppers will be able to scan QR codes in stores and be taken to a baagloo micro site which offers special features and promotional discounts.

Watch the baagloo camera promotion in action:

Do you think baagloo will catch on among companies and individuals in the US? Let us know what you think by commentng here, or on our facebook or twitter pages.

Alan Haberman strongly advocated for the barcode within the supermarket industry, ultimately revolutionizing the checkout experience. He may have passed away, but his memory will always lives on.

Although Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland invented and then patented the barcode in 1949, it was not until 1974 that the barcode was actually implemented in a super market.

Haberman was asked to help modernize supermarkets in 1971 and he realized that people hated waiting in line, and thus began his advocacy for the barcode. He was chairman of an industry committee that settled on the symbol for the barcode in 1973, and a year later a pack of Wrigley’s gum in Troy, Ohio, was the first product to ever be sold using a barcode scanner.

Once the barcode was launched, Haberman didn’t stop there. He served on the board of the Uniform Code Council (now GS1) for decades and even helped create the Auto-ID Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In addition, Haberman assisted in developing the standards for RFID technology.

Haberman died on June 12 due to complications from heart and lung disease.He was born on July 27, 1929, in Worcester, Mass. Haberman is survived by his wife, daughter, son, two sisters and five grandchildren.

Today, approximately 10 billion barcodes are scanned everyday throughout the world and we truly have Alan Haberman to thank. Read more about him here and share your thoughts on our Facebook and twitter pages.