Category: QR Codes

Mobile users in China can receive lucky money when they scan a red quick response code.

Tencent’s red QR codes are a new way for mobile phone users in China to download apps and obtain a red packet of lucky money from Yingyongbao, an official app store of Tencent that has contributed CNY500 million (over US$79 million) to the campaign.

Downloading apps via the red QR code is a unique process.

Unlike the standard app downloading method, apps can be downloaded directly through WeChat Scan. This provides App developers with a new method for distributing their apps and improving their popularity. The staff at Tencent has revealed that Android mobile users can win lucky money from WeChat every time they scan the red QRcodes through Yingyongbao. Each red packet can hold up to CNY200 (about US$32) in lucky money.

The QR Codes marketing campaign has been a success.

The “Red QR code storm connecting all” was an offline marketing campaign that took place in plazas and landmark buildings in some of China’s major cities, including Beijing, Shenzen and Guangzhou, during the May Day holiday. In addition to Tencent, an estimated 20 app developers participated. The red codes can be found in main streets, buses, metros and in other places in the country’s big cities. Thousands upon thousands of people of all age groups, including Chinese and foreigners, engaged in the QR code scanning activity to obtain the red packets.

Hundreds of apps are part of the campaign, with many having achieved a 90% download conversion rate. For instance, China Merchants Bank’s “Handheld Life” has increased to one million downloads after joining. The dramatic increase in downloads is not surprising because the cash bonus users can receive from scanning the Tencent QR codes provide mobile users with plenty of incentive to take part in the marketing campaign.

Furthermore, this method allows users to scan the barcode and immediately download the app via their WeChat Scan. They don’t have to search for the app to download and install it. The red QR codes give developers the chance to boost their download numbers. The popularity of scanning these codes grows as people continue to take part in China’s big cities.

Shomi has created a font-based substitute to the quick response code.

Shomi, an Australian startup, has developed Shomi codes, which are similar to QR codes in that they link to digital content, but what makes the Shomi variety different is that it is based on font, which makes them smaller and does not limit them to back and white, giving them greater flexibility.

The new codes are quick and easy to implement.

According to Tony Williams, the founder of the newly established Australian business, Shomi codes have been purposely designed to be placed in confined spaces in publishing, such as a line of text. Williams says that “because it’s a font, it’s a lot quicker and easier to implement than a QR code.’’ This gives it the advantage.

He also added that “QR codes were designed as a high density alternative to a barcode for tracking automotive parts. They are completely over engineered for use as mobile linking technology.”

Shomi is not the first QRcode competitor. Microsoft created Microsoft tag, but the company has decided that it will be eliminating this service next year. Williams believes the reason that Microsoft tag did not work was it did not overcome the quick response code’s format, which Williams says is one of the chief problems of the code because all of the additional data is not needed for a mobile link.

Shomi codes may be more effective than QR codes for providing useful data to companies about consumers.

Shomi intends to generate revenue by storing the data it collects from users of its code, analyzing this data and providing it to publishers who use the Shomi code. According to Williams, the free version of their platform with basic analytics is currently available.

He said that Shomi can “control the experience” and they capture all of the data which is a huge advantage to companies. A company can use the code to direct their reader and learn what they can about the consumer.

Williams stated that Shomi will make money with detailed analytics packages and they will charge on a tiered scale that will be based on scan usage. At present, the startup is seeking seed funding and is on the watch for businesses that may be interested in being among the first to adopt their code.

Only time will tell if Shomi code will be a true competitor of QR codes for mobile.