What is a QR code?

A Quick Response Code is a two-dimensional bar code created by the Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. It was originally developed for commercial tracking because of it's higher data storage and error-correction features, and is currently in use by shipping and logistics companies such as UPS, FedEx and DHL.

It is now being used for marketing in the mobile phone industry. Some mobile phones have QR Code scanners built in, and when they scan a QR Code they get back the information contained in the code. The iPhone and Blackberry can both read QR codes with free, downloadable apps.

Codes are used heavily in Japan and Europe for marketing, and in North America, 90% of camera-enabled phones can access content via a QR code.