Using QR codes in mobile advertising

We’ve already seen that the usage of QR codes in mobile advertising has been very popular in countries like Japan and Korea. Now, it has transcended yet another boundary and gone to Singapore.

Singapore Press Holdings has introduced this technology called ZapCodes in Singapore. With this, mobile phone users will be able to get more information on a product or service simply by scanning the ZapCode in an advertisement through their mobile phone camera. The ZapCode software, when installed in your mobile phone, will scan the ZapCode, decipher the message, and send more information to you via a WAP site. The WAP site will have more information on the product or service mentioned in the advertisement. The WAP site might have pictures, gift vouchers, discount coupons, or videos.

This technology, as I’ve always said, is way easier than the usual text message stuff that we are used to. Just imagine, which one is easier? Taking a snap of an ad with your mobile camera and getting the info in a jiffy via a WAP site or typing a code and sending it as a text message to a number and waiting for the info to come in another text message?

This technology could be particularly a huge success in the U.S., if implemented properly. According to statistics, more than 60% of mobile phones in the U.S. have in-built cameras and this makes a huge market for QR code based mobile advertising.

Categories: Cell Phone Advertising, All things mobile phones.

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Debunking the myths about mobile advertising - II

When I read rants on mobile advertising, one thing stands out in all the articles. It is predictability. All these guys who have something to say against mobile advertising are so damn predictable. So, when I read this one, I was not surprised at all.

“I’m all for cell phones (I couldn’t go through my day without one) and I’m all for ads (hence the occasional ads on my site) but I think if an ad pops up on my phone I will scream.”

Uhmm; let me guess. People might have felt the same about internet ads a few years back. Now, can you show me a single website without ads?

“We do not need cameras, internet, GPS and whatever else they are putting in cell phones now a days.”

This is even simpler. Just buy a low-cost, low-end mobile phone that doesn’t have these features. And stop complaining about people who go out there and buy these high-end phones.

“My only hope is when these horrible ads come out that there is some way to opt-out (like you can opt-out of the text message ads).”

You well and truly can opt out of any sort of mobile ads. That is the idea behind it. No one, I repeat, no one will compel you to get ads on your phone. If some moron tries to do so, he will face severe repurcussions. If you have doubts, check this out.

Now that I’ve explained everything, please save me the trouble of writing another post like this. I need variety and people who read this blog need variety. So, next time when you think of writing something against mobile advertising, read this section. If you still want to go ahead, please be creative and come up with something new.

Categories: Cell Phone Advertising, Rant.

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