Why Google Places Dropped QR Codes from iPhones ?
Last year Google’s announcement that it had dropped QR codes from iPhones came as a big shock to many. When you consider the fact that QR codes are becoming more popular and effective in the modern day, this decision seems even more puzzling upon reflection. Now that time has allowed us to assess the situation in greater depth, this article aims to give further clarity on why this decision was made.
What is a QR code?
Before we can delve deeper into Google’s shock decision and the alternative options for businesses, it is important to decipher what a QR code actually is. For those who are unaware it is likely that you will have seen a QR code before. This is a black and white graphic that is typically found on posters and alike.
The graphic encompasses concealed data and can be retrieved via anything from a new tablet to sim only contracts for iPhone. People use the camera on their smartphone in order to process this information. Individuals will need to have the appropriate app installed in order to do this properly. Nonetheless, the QR code will then divert the individual to the URL that has been hidden in the QR code. This may take you to the company’s website or their Twitter page or anywhere else along these lines.
They offer a great marketing method and they are cheap to implement. After all, at the end of a long contract you can look into sim only contracts for iPhone instead of signing up for another 1 or 2 year commitment. This will make you savings.
Google wanted to look elsewhere
In Google’s statement explaining their shock move they said that the reason for doing so was because they were exploring different ways of providing people with a similar service. Essentially they wanted to find their own method of providing information about local businesses on people’s smartphones.
Near Field Communication (NFC)
Those who have the ability to read between the lines instantly recognized that the reason Google was dropping QR codes was because they wanted to implement their own Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for sim only contracts for iPhone. What is this? Essentially this is a wireless technology that allows data to be exchanged over nearby distances. QR codeswould have been direct competition to this; hence the reason Google dropped it when it did.
Google’s decision not based on popularity
Nevertheless, Google’s decision has not deterred people from using QR codes. This is because businesses recognize that Google’s decision was not made based on the popularity of QRcodes. Thus businesses recognize that the benefits can still be felt through the implementation of this digital graphic.
Businesses should now embrace NFC tags
So, what can businesses do about Google’s decision to drop QR codes? The truth is you can look into Google’s switch to NFC. This does not mean they have to drop their use of QR codes. Both can be utilized. Thus, whatever print medium the company in question uses they must add a NFC tag layer to it too.
Don’t drop a winning campaign
The important point regarding the advice to keep using QR codes is something that needs to be elaborated on further. The truth is we can often end up blind sighted by Google’s dominance. We believe they are the be all and end all. Yet, 75% of smartphone users say they are interested in scanning a QR code. Furthermore, if your QR code campaign is bringing you success, then why drop it?
Google’s decision to drop QR codes was certainly a surprising one. Yet when analyzed in more depth you can see why the decision was made. Nevertheless, Google’s move to drop QRcodes does not mean that you have to as well.
Author bio –
Donna is an online technical expert. You can look into her views on QR codes and NFC by subscribing to her latest blogs in various sites including "Sim Only". She believes that at the end of a long contract you can look into sim only contracts for iPhone instead of signing up for another 1 or 2 year commitment.