QR code is 2D barcode that is currently all the rage in Japan. The chief advantage of QR code over standard barcode is that it doesn't require great resolution to be understood by a QR code reader. Even a low res digital photo of QR code is readable. This means your camera phone can turn into a QR reader just by installing a reader application. In Japan, ads display QR code in magazines, billboards and tv, which reveal secret links or messages.

For those of us who aren't in Japan, Jaxo has created a free java app QR code reader, called SnapABar. The app synchs with your camera and then translates the QR code you photograph. They also offer "Barcode generator," which encodes text into four different QR codes. (Unfortunately, there isn't a standard code yet.) For now, SnapABar is fun to download and experiment with for reading code. However, we still need to wait a while for the QR code to become more widely used before it really starts to get useful.

sponsor: PINGER text messaging with your voice