Tag: google

  • Top 5 iPhone QR Code Apps

    I have been doing a bit of research around QR Codes in South Africa, and they are definitely on the rise. There is so much potential for them, especially in SA, where most people have a cellphone, and although I am only looking at iPhones in this post, a lot of cellphones are starting to support them now.

    There are hundreds of different QR Code reader apps available for the iPhone, and I have done some research around them, to see which are the best. I put 11 QR code readers which I had heard about and found on the app store, and tested various aspects of the apps, as well as trying to see if different types of codes can be snapped. These included calendar entries, contacts, URL’s and even a modified code (on the right).

    Most of the readers managed with the basics like URL, text & SMS, but a lot of them struggled with the trickier codes like calendar entries & the modified codes. Here are the top 5 in my findings. To see the full results you can see the Google Doc test sheet here. All test codes were created using the Google QR Code API , except the altered image. I have also included QR code links to each app on the right of each app, to download them from the app store.

    5. Quickmark – $0.99

    Calendar – No
    Contact Information – Yes
    Email Address – Yes
    Geo Location – No
    Phone Number – Yes
    SMS – Yes
    Text – Yes
    URL – Yes
    Altered Image – No

    This was one of the first QR code readers I ever used, thanks to Google who suggested it when they launched their QR code product in the US. The best thing about this app, and something very few of the apps do, is that i opens straight to the screen where you can snap the code. Despite it’s small limitations, this is one of the better designed apps, and a must have for QR Codes.

    4. RedLaser – Free

    Calendar – No
    Contact Information – Yes
    Email Address – Yes
    Geo Location – Yes
    Phone Number – Yes
    SMS – Yes
    Text – Yes
    URL – Yes
    Altered Image – No

    Although this app isn’t designed specifically for QR Codes, it does a pretty good job with it. The app is fast and resolves the codes quickly as well. The fact that it scans normal barcodes and compares prices etc is a bonus, and another keeper in the QR Code folder on your iPhone

    3. BeeTagg Reader Pro – Free

    Calendar – No (Reads the image, but does not display the information correctly)
    Contact Information – Yes
    Email Address – Yes
    Geo Location – Yes
    Phone Number – Yes
    SMS – Yes
    Text – Yes
    URL – Yes
    Altered Image – No

    Another favorite of mine, but the fact that it doesn’t read the calendar info correctly is a bit of a let down. The interface in the app is clean and simple, and you can also read codes from previously saved photos.

    2. i-nigma – Free

    Calendar – No
    Contact Information – Yes
    Email Address – Yes
    Geo Location – Yes
    Phone Number – Yes
    SMS – Yes
    Text – Yes
    URL – Yes
    Altered Image – Yes

    One of the only 2 apps that could read the altred image gives this a nod at number 2, but still can’t read vCalendar events. Pity though, otherwise this would be right at the top. Another plus for this app is that it is also an “instant-open” app, which means no tapping before snapping your code.

    1. – $1.99

    Calendar – Yes
    Contact Information – Yes
    Email Address – Yes
    Geo Location – Yes
    Phone Number – Yes
    SMS – Yes
    Text – Yes
    URL – Yes
    Altered Image – Yes

    Although the price of this app might be a bit high, it is well worth the $2. The app is super fast, and is the the only app able to capture each of the tests successfully. I have to admit, this is by far one of the best apps I have used overall on the iPhone, and is a MUST have if you are going to be snapping QR codes. Just get it :)

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    So as you can see a lot of the QR code apps are very similar, but the key for me is speed, which Optiscan delivers. There are constantly new QR code readers being added to the app store, so if you know of any I have missed, leave a comment below, and I will add them to the google doc for future reviews. If you want to keep up to date with the goings on in the QR world, I highly recommend http://2d-code.co.uk/ which delivers the best QR code news daily.

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  • 2 awesome chrome extensions out of Durbs

    The boys in Durbs are at it again. This time, we have (what I think is the first) chrome extensions out of South Africa, and this time they straight out of Durbs :)

    Firstly my izimvo buddy, Shaun Trennery, whipped up a fantastic Google Chrome extension called ZA Weather. The extension shows you the weekly forecast, automagically based on your IP address. Shaun has used some clever YQL to get the info, and the extension is amazing. This is what our weather will look like this week in Durbs.

    The extension also has a couple of other cool features, like rain map, and 1 or 2 more in the pipeline

    Download the ZA Weather chrome extension

    weather

    The 2nd extension, released this morning, is from wunderkind Kishyr, from immedia. immedia are better known for their fantastic iPhone apps they have developed, and they have now just added to one of their most popular iPhone apps, ZATV Guide, and have launched the ZATV chrome extension. Basically, you can see what is showing RIGHT NOW on all the DSTV channels, as well as what is coming up in the next day or so. Added to this, you get full info on the shows that are coming up and showing at the moment. There is also awesome search functionality built into the extension, that allows you to search for a show or movie coming up.

    Download the ZATV Guide Chrome extension

    zatv

    All in all both these extensions are awesome, and combined with a couple of others that I have been playing with, I could maybe (maybe) leave the fox behind :)

  • Google Maps gets easier

    Before if you wanted to add a google map to a website or a blog, you needed to have a little programming knowledge in Javascript and had to apply for an API key to get it to work.

    Now Google maps has made it easier to add a map to a website or blog. This could be really beneficial for business owners, invites to events, or showing some pics of your holiday.

    To embed your own map into your website or blog do the following.

    1. Go to Google Maps
    2. Login into your google account. (They free :))
    3. Click on My Maps
    4. Find your point on the map you want to share.
    5. Click on”Link to this page”, and copy and paste the code that is given to you.

    As an example, I have created a map for the venue of the Durbs 27Dinner, Ciao Itallia.


    View Larger Map