Telstra customers will soon have software downloaded free to their mobile phones, through QR coding technology, giving them quick access to websites and mobile content via special barcodes.
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Telstra Group Managing Director for Consumer and Channels, David Moffatt says that, “this is the first time in the world that barcode readers have been automatically installed on mobile phones for free”.
Moreover, Telstra also says the technology has the “potential to radically change the print and outdoor advertising industry by providing advertisers the opportunity to have more meaningful dialogue with customers and a better understanding of their interests”.
According to the telco, customers simply point their mobile phone cameras at the specially designed barcodes, known as Telstra Mobile Codes, to access content such as weather, localised maps and mobile videos. The barcodes can be placed on virtually any surface including newspapers, clothes, business cards, shop fronts, product packaging, billboards, bus stops, magazines, menus, TVs and computer screens.
Moffatt, said ” The barcodes are two dimensional squares with unique pixel configurations which, with a single point and scan with a compatible Telstra Next G mobile phone, can take users to online destinations including mobile websites with to-the-minute information, video content and special offers”.
Telstra spokesman Peter Taylor notes that this technology is big in Japan and really is designed to be “a call to arms for the advertising industry”.
“This technology has a number of very clear measurables”, making it perfect for advertisers he said.
Taylor however, would not be drawn on how much this could potential turnover for the advertising industry.
The sorts of content to be available through the QR Codes include the latest news, sport and weather information; music files; maps; store information; tickets to shows; video presentations that give users guided tours, how-to information and trailers; links to social networking sites and special discount offers.
