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.

HookCode Uses Nextcode Mobile Barcodes To Connect MySpace, FaceBook And Beebo Users

A Nextcode angel investor has developed a new implementation using Nextcode's mCode format and ConnexTo decoder aimed at making it easy for social networkers to create Physical World Hyperlinks to their online profile.

Add HookCode and their application to the Physical World Connection company list .

MySpace, Beebo, and Facebook users now have an easy way to create mobile barcode for their website. HookCode has made it easy for real world, non-techie people to create a mobile barcode for their website. It also may get advertisers to come around to the idea that mobilecodes don't have to look industrial.

Using Nextcode's ConnexTo mobile barcode scanning platform, HookCode makes it easy for MySpace, Facebook and Bebo users to create a real-life web link to their user page.

No registration is required and your HookCode is created in 3 easy steps. The HookCode site is in early stages of implementation (SMS delivery of the codes to users phones so they can run as a wallpaper on the phone) but the Nextcode team wanted to let Pondering Primate readers have a sneak peak and get reaction. Their effort here is to show how easy code creation can be and to evangelize codes to the social networking, under 25 yr old group. They probably wouldn't mind if a few brands or social networking sites grasped the possibilities either....

HookCode looked at lots of different code formats and found that Nextcode Corporation's unique mCode format was the best by far. mCode and the ConnexTo decoder were engineered for mobile phone optics. What does that mean to you? They work dependably. With other codes, you have to hold the camera just right, in the right light, because they were made to be scanned by that laser thing at the grocery store - not your mobile phone!

MySpace user Nicole used the HookCode widget to create a HookCode for her site and post it on her MySpace page. Take a look at her MySpace site that uses a HookCode.


FROM THE HOOKCODE SITE:

Here's how it happened: We got sick of tapping people's MySpace address into our phones to check them out online. Or worse, writing iton a napkin, and then trying to read it after it went through the wash.

Using Nextcode's ConnexTo mobile barcode scanning platform, HookCode makes it easy for MySpace, Facebook and Bebo users to create a real-life web link to their user page.

HookCode has made it so easy to create a code for your site. HookCode's easily identifiable codes will allow quick adoption and scanning among users.

Snap a pic of a HookCode and go straight to a MySpace profile or anywhere else. Nextcode Corporation's unique mCode format were engineered for mobile phone optics. What does that mean to you? They work dependably. With other codes, you have to hold the camera just right, in the right light, because they were made to be scanned by that laser thing in the gorcery store-not your mobile phone!

How do you get a HookCode?

Click Here and enter your web address. It's that easy.

To get your HookCode reader go to http://www.wap.connexto.com/

Let HookCode know how you use your HookCode. Send them an email and they will post your idea on their site. The coolest HookCodes will get a HookCode tshirt.

HookCodes generated by ConnexTo

Network World Partners With Nextcode's ConnexTo For Mobile Barcodes In Publications

This a very strategic win for Nextcode.

Nextcode's mobile codes, which are designed specifically for mobile phones, will appear in a recurring publication offering familiarity and a greater chance of adoption.

Second, these codes will be presented to an audience that are considered "early adopters". These are the people most likely to test and adopt a new technology.




ConnexTo's 2d barcodes look different, and perform a lot better, than most mobile barcodes.

I think proprietary codes like mcodes, have a great chance of adoption because consumers will be able to recognize the distinct code and WILL KNOW what functions/applications are associated with them. O

Network World has partnered with Nextcode and is adding ConnexTo 2d barcodes to their weekly magazine. Using your camera phone, just scan a code and get IT news delivered right to your phone. Want to add a comment to a story, just scan a code and be connected to their mobile site.

No need to type in lengthy URLS, just scan a ConnexTo code.


Network World Code Scanning Through Your Cell Phone


"We are starting with a single code (picture) on our table of contents that, when photographed, will deliver IT news headlines right to your phone. As code scanning becomes more popular we plan on creating a more immersive mobile online experience, such as being able to post a comment on an article through your phone or read other readers' comments. Want to know more about what you just read in the magazine? Then select related articles and read that article now or save it for online reading later. We’d love to hear from you "

More on Nextcode's mCodes

What is mCode™? How is it different from existing barcodes?

A: mCode is a new 2D barcode designed specifically for mobile phones and mobile services. The mCode technology works faster,its more reliable, can do more and carry more data content than traditional barcodes. mCodes are easy to create, using the code creation pages on the ConnexTo site.

Want to get the ConnextTo reader?

To load the ConnexTo Code Reader on your phone use your WAP browser on your phone to go to wap.connexto.com Click the download link, the correct version of the reader will be downloaded onto your phone.

Nextcode Uses Physical World Hyperlinks For Boston's Freedom Trail

Nextcode is using physical world hyperlinks for tourism.


For those of you who are planning to visit the Boston Freedom Trail in the next few months, you're in for a special treat: A group of young talented people will help you learn more about the points along the trail by watching a video, listening to audio or other pieces of content that will be available on the web, to your own mobile phone. You will be able to learn more and thus enjoy your visit much more.

The project is called "Freedom Trail Reloaded" or otherwise has also earned the name DiMO (Digital+Mobilities Project)

A more detailed explanation .

Smart Uses Decodes For SMS Voting

From Denpa Binbining Pilipinas

Physical world hyperlinks being used for SMS voting.

Nextcode's mobile barcode technology being used in a contest done by Smart Communications

Decode, based on a symbology developed by Nextcode (mCode) is scanned and the customer is taken to a reference website, a bill paying process, or in this case ... a vote for a contestant in a beauty contest.