Category: QR Codes

The barcodes make it easier for devices that have gone missing to make their way back to their owners.

Findables has just announced that it is adding custom QR codes to the back of their smartphone cases which fit devices such as the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3.

These barcodes can be registered with the device owner’s information so that that data can be used if it goes missing.

If the smartphone is ever lost while the owner is out and about, the QR codes can be scanned to learn the information that was registered by that owner. The finder of the device can then contact the owner and arrange to have the smartphone returned. This is only one of a number of feature upgrades that the latest Findables case models will provide.

Aside from the QR codes, the cases also feature a unique fold-out bottom section to serve as a device stand.

This makes it easier to view the screen of the device to watch video or to read web content or ebooks. The company is known for offering a number of different types of case, giving consumers many options from which to choose. It is the FlexStand case that offers the fold-out stand. The FlexWrap, on the other hand, doesn’t have a stand, but is a softer design to more snugly contain the device. The FlexSnap easily snaps onto the handset.

Each of these models all come with QR codes that can be registered so that regardless of the choice or the features the user wants, the smartphone will still have the added security benefit that will make it easier for it to be found and returned if it is ever lost.

Any apps for reading QR codes will work to scan the barcode and find the information, but it takes the Findables own application to register the unique black and white square in the first place. This process is simple and straightforward. The free application is downloaded from the Google Play store or the Apple App Store and when the barcode is scanned for the first time through this app, it opens an account creation page, through which the user’s contact information can be entered.

The Australian Gold Coast may use the smartphone friendly barcodes to warn of potential dangers.

Plans are being formed to incorporate the use of QR codes painted onto signs near the Gold Coast surf breaks and boat ramps in Australia, to help to provide visiting boaters and surfers with the information they need about potential hidden risks and dangers in the waters, through the use of one simple scan.

All that water users need to do is scan the barcode with their smartphones for up to date information.

The concept of applying the QR codes for this purpose was brought up at a Currumbin Alley safety meeting recently. This meeting was attended by boaters and surfers, as well as Hal Morris (the CEO of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority), and the MP for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey.

The system using the QR codes would help to inform boaters and surfers who aren’t familiar with the specific locations.

According to Morris, the system of QR codes would direct scanners to websites created specifically for that purpose. It is hoped that this will provide an efficient, simple, direct, and innovative way to provide boaters and surfers with the information that they need to remain safe when they are not familiar with the local spots. It will begin as a smaller project but, when shown to be successful, this project will be broadened to include the entire city.

He explained that “We want to develop a surf and waterways user guide for the Gold Coast that could be accessed through the QR codes.”

The Gold Coast Surf Council is also eager to provide the surf breaks within the city with classification based on their risk and danger levels, said Morris. He also added that this information could also be included in the guide for the waterway. Also in the guide, he said, will be the details on local attractions, tide times, and links to various surf cameras.

Gary Brown, the president of Marine Rescue Queensland Currumbin, stated that introducing the QR codes on the signage is an important step forward for surfers and boaters, alike.