Alternative To QR Code Uses NFC and Cheap Rectennas

An anonymous reader writes "The BBC reports researchers in Korea have developed a technology that can be used as a viable alternative to QR codes. Made of plastic and electronic ink, the rectennas cost less than one penny each to produce and use the NFC standards for wireless radio communication to devices. They are seen as a cheap, easy-to-print and environmentally friendly way to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes, the usage of which has greatly increased in the last few years."

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Environmentally friendly?

[vlm]

They are seen as a ... environmentally friendly way to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes...

I'm mystified how that works. Its not like QR codes are inherently toxic by shape, like prions, nanoparticles, or asbestos fibers.

The only QR code I've ever used for a "real" purpose is holding my phone up to the screen to scan a google authenticator QR code. I'm not sure how that would translate to a NFC solution like this... have to print out on a 3-d printer or something?

Re:Missing the point?

[Grantbridge]

The great thing about text is you can put it anywhere anything visual can be placed! You can but a tinyurl.com/acmeadd on a billboard, on a streetsign, on a television image.... (And its still quicker to type than to get the camera all lined up to QR code something you pass on a bus.)

Re:Missing the point?

[siddesu]

When I hear "antenna" and "NFC" I can't help but think that QR has one important "shortcomming" -- it can only get into my phone if I want it to. Now, imagine the marketing potential for something that can be read without user interaction by a helpful app and you'll see the appeal ...

Re:Environmentally friendly?

[rilian4]

They are seen as a ... environmentally friendly way to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes...

I'm mystified how that works. Its not like QR codes are inherently toxic by shape, like prions, nanoparticles, or asbestos fibers.

Using the phrase 'Environmentally Friendly' is how you get liberals to use (or at the very least not blacklist) your product whether it has anything to do with actually being helpful to the environment or not.

Re:Missing the point?

[camperdave]

The entire point of a QR-Code is that it can be placed where-ever anything visual can be placed. You can put a QR code on a billboard, on a streetsign, on a television image, in a newspaper, on a bus ad...

The entire problem of a QR-Code is that it must placed where anything else visual could be placed. You can put a QR code on a billboard, on a streetsign, on a television image, in a newspaper, on a bus ad... and there's that much less space for the ad art itself.

These rectennas can be covered by advertisement without impairing their function.

Re:Is it Cheaper? Easier?

[3dr]

No kidding. The summary quoted(?) this nugget: "...to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes, whose usage has greatly increased in the last few years."

I'd say that the reason usage QR codes has greatly increased in the last few years is because they are not so limited or inconvenient as the article asserts. The QR code may contain several types of information, but in a 2D bit array, you are inherently limited. QR codes are not a high-bandwidth transport, but even if all they contain is a vcard or URL, the URL is the gateway to larger content.

I like QR codes because they are inherently opt-in. Screw the NFC based ad network!

Re:Missing the point?

[blind biker]

And its still quicker to type than to get the camera all lined up to QR code something you pass on a bus

Actually no, it's not quicker.just typing "tinyurl.com" takes more time than to acquire a QR code.Unless you use a catastrophically inefficient app/UI for the QR.

Re:Missing the point?

[MrAngryForNoReason]

QR codes are a scam by domain registrars to sell domain names with cute-looking QR codes.

They are more a scam perpetuated by the printing and publishing industries in a desperate attempt to stay relevant in an increasingly online world. "Use QR codes to add value to your print adverts!" they whine as print spends and advertising revenue continue to spiral downwards.

QR codes are so incredibly niche they are pretty much pointless from a marketing point of view. Unless you are marketing specifically to tech savvy people who have smartphones they are completely useless.

Points of failure for a QR code

1. Must know what a QR code is
2. Must have a smartphone
3. Must have a QR reader app
4. Must be close enough to scan code
5. Must be quick enough to leap of the sofa and scan TV (for QR codes in ads)

Points of failure for a URL

1. Must be familiar with browsing the web
2. Must be able to remember a short word or phrase

Re:Missing the point?

[meerling]

I can't afford a smartphone, or more accurately, I can't afford the mandatory increased phone bill due to the requirement to get a data plan to go with it.

Re:Missing the point?

[jbengt]

How does my self-printed airline ticket/boarding pass match up to your "Points of failure for a QR code"

Must know what a QR code is.

I had no need to know, just printed from the airlines web page, had no idea it was called a QR code.

Must have a smartphone

Nope

Must have a QR reader app

No, though the airlines and the TSA needed to be able to read the QR code, it was probably not an 'app'.

Must be close enough to scan code

True, I guess, but the TSA agent and the flight attendants were close enough when I handed them the boarding pass.

Must be quick enough to leap of the sofa and scan TV (for QR codes in ads

No, just had to find the 'Print' button in the confirmation page.