Whose Mobile Code Are You And Where Are Taking Me?

A comment was left on the HookCode offers mobile codes for MySpace post.

"Why cant they all just standardise on QR codes and be done with it?"

At first glance standardizing might make sense. However, the real power of a mobile code, or of Physical World Connection (PWC) is not just connecting a physical object to the Net, but the APPLICATIONS that can come from it.

The dilemma PWC faces is where (what URL) will this mobile code take me and what information will I receive. Whose code is this and what should I expect from it?

I don't believe standardizing the QR code, or any mobile code, should be the only option.

A 1d barcode, because the data is constant, will have many applications built for them (price compare, coupons, ecommerce, consumer reviews etc). The code stays constant, but how it's resolved allows numerous services and applications.

Because there are various types of 2d codes, the information, URL and applications vary too. The mobile code will have be identifiable. Proprietary mobile codes like Nextcode, ShotCodes and BeeTagg will always have great value because they are easily identifiable and you know what information is expected when scanned.

There are a few solutions I see.

1. The mobile code itself is unique, recognizable and user knows what information or function is performed when scanned. The mobile code has to be identifiable with the application or the brand.

2. The mobile code is branded so user knows what application or where on Net they will be taken. HookCode is associated with MySpace users, or MySpace adopts this platform and brands it.

3. The mobile code is placed on closed environment and info received when scanning the code is obvious (train station, magazine ad).

4. A multi-function code scanning application. Click on any code and a physical world connection portal provides a menu of choices. (price compare, coupon, commerce etc).

Design QR brands QR codes which are identifiable to the user.

Design QR provides a solution to one of these options. They embed a company's logo, or identifies the QR code by placing an image inside the code. They "brand" the QR code which will allow users to identify the mobile code.

Design QR allowed me to "brand" my QR code.

Here's what I envision.

Google offers a 2d code creating site and places their color theme or the word Google inside of every 2d code created. Advertisers and consumers can place these mobile codes anwyhere and be connected to appropriate URL when scanned.

Because Google is so well known (brand recognition), and their applications will be adopted on the majority of mobile phones, their mobile code scanning platform will provide many functions for the Google Mobile Code.

In addition, this Google mobile phone scanning platform will also offer the ability to scan 1d barcodes as well. This opens the door for advertisers and the approx three billion 1d codes out there already.