The most recent innovation in smartphones, called the QR reader, has made it possible for end-users to browse the internet, download and read coupons, gift cards and many other payments instantly on the go. A QR code is a short vertical black and white rectangle which can be scanned by your smartphone to access internet sites via your phone. Today, nearly all smartphones have built-in QR reader.

Just like any other app, the iPhone app for your smartphone gives you the option to “share” a URL. Simply go to Settings, tap General, then tap Shared Links and enter the URL you want to share. Now, while your iPhone is connected to your computer via wifi, launch the app and upload the URL to your iphone’s QR code reader. When you see a prompt to “scan” the code, do so. Your browser should open up on the website and you can read the brief online content or complete transactions like purchasing tickets or reserving a hotel room.

A QR reader is a special type of mobile application for your iphone that allows you to effortlessly browse the internet via your phone.
The software, Barcode Scanner, is an Android application, from the open source project ZXing, which enables an iphone with scanning hardware to scan various barcode or 2D barcode images and retrieve the information embedded. This technology, which is referred to as barcode scanning, is used by cashiers at stores to ensure that they are providing a correct price. Retailers have also adopted this technology and have developed applications such as the ability to provide coupons in different formats to their customers.

With a modern smart phone like the iPhone, all you have to do to find a restaurant in New York is to install the Barcode Scanner app and tap the QR code in the location search option on the phone’s screen. You will then be presented with a list of restaurants in New York with their QR codes indicated in blue, red or green. Click one of them to find a restaurant that offers a tasting menu and a map.

There are dedicated apps available for all smartphones to add their own QR codes. For instance, there is a free app called Open QR Code Generator for iPhone which allows you to choose the shape, size and font of the text you want to have displayed on your smartphone. You can also specify whether you want to print the code or just save it to your smartphone.