No, it’s not a screen shot from an old Atari video game.
Google has sent out stickers to hundreds of thousands of businesses, with Google’s QR code encoded with the URL to Google’s Place page, along with a healthy dose of Google branding. The way it works is that a person with a cell phone can scan the image, whether it’s placed on a website or printed material, and be taken to a Google Place page featuring information on that particular business.
Why is this a big deal? It’s something that’s simple for people to implement, both businesses and customers will find immediate value in it, and Google benefits by increasing the worth of their “Place Page” service, which Google Maps has already been reinforcing. But aside from being good for Google, it’s actually kind of good for us too. It’s a step up on the actually useful ladder of technological coolness.
The QR code itself was actually created by Denso-Wave (a Japanese corporation) in 1994, and is very commonly used in Japan. While not having caught on in a huge way yet on our side of the pond, my guess is that due to the explosion social marketing and online involvement, this may very quickly change.
Never slow on the uptake, conspiracy theory folks have already started in… a Google search for “google qr code mark of the beast” at the time of this post indicated 3,270 results. The main commentary right now seems to be here. (Most of the rest of the results seem to be either derivative comments or not-quite-related hits. But you know someone had to put forth the idea.)
If there is a conspiracy at Google, however, it’s only in that they’ve not set up a way for any business with a Google Place page to have their code. Google has chosen “favorite” places and mailed them the stickers, featuring the Google branding very prominently. If you’d like to take matters into your own hands, rather than waiting for Google to think of you as a best friend, you can go to http://qrcode.kaywa.com and generate your own code. I don’t see any reason you couldn’t create a code for your Google Place URL, but you could also create it for your main business website, your Facebook page, or your cat’s website.
A Regularly Updated Browser is a Happy Browser
A browser is like any other program. It is usually best to keep it updated with the latest free patches and updates. Unlike other programs like Microsoft Word or Photoshop, any self respecting browser will never require you to pay to switch to the most recent major version (switching from version 2 to 3 perhaps), or even updates (upgrading from 2.3 to 2.4 for instance) . You can feel free to update all you want without having to shell out money.
Why does my browser need to be updated?
You’re probably pretty busy. You might not have time to keep your software updated. A browser should be no exception, right? The thing is, browsers are not like other programs. They are your portal to the World Wide Web, and most of the rest of the population on the planet. Thus, they potentially also have access to the scum of the world who would love to steal your personal information.
Keeping your browser updated has many benefits including:
What about my settings and bookmarks?
Worried about your settings and bookmarks being lost in the update process? No fear. All modern browsers will keep your settings and bookmarks automatically when you update. Some will even let you import bookmarks from other browsers you have on your computer during the installation process. Just pay attention to the windows that come up when you are updating.
It might not be your fault!
If you’re working at a company or organization that doesn’t have the money to have someone update their computers, or has to use older browsers for some reason, you may not be able to keep your computer there updated. In that case, I urge you to keep your own personal computer updated.
Well, how do I keep updated?