Cell C launches PhotoCode application

• Marc Forrest

  The issue with Photocode or BeeTagg code, is that it is propriety code and can only be read by the BeeTagg software.

  Instead CellC should have opted to use the more open standard QR Code technology, that is used worldwide, and is more accessible and can be read by most 2D barcode. Even Nokia has a QR Code reader as a standard application on their newer phones.

  I think CellC may have missed the boat with this one, and by charging people R1 for the download URL makes me think this is more money making thank anything else.

  My 2c worth :/

• http://www.nicksoper.com Nick Soper

  I think punching in a URL, downloading an app, that occasionally manages to resolve a URL from a QR code is a waste of time.

  Brands should look at apps like http://stickybits.com/ to add real value and meaning behind a real world object, shape or label.

• http://twitter.com/Cynicalgrinch Pawel

  Nick, you're right about the initial effort required for the app (not to mention there's a download cost), but in the long term, QR codes are far superior to entering mobi URLs everytime you want to visit a page (especially if a QR code points to a page with specific product information that someone would specifically want to see).

  That, coupled with Cell C not opting with an open standard, means that they have stuffed the execution up royally. There is, however, a definite advantage to this technology in labeling and hopefully more players will catch a wake up.

  P.S Stickybits looks awesome. It adds the social factor to additional product info – sort of like a bounceapp of QR.

• Gabrielle Rosario

  Both Ford (http://bit.ly/fR1tm) and Peugeot (in SA) (http://youtu.be/G5f4oK6E-Wk) used them, AGES ago.

  @nick, Stickybits still requires an app (or reader) and that's the issue with this tech, as awesome as they are, I wonder how much of the less tech savvy general public knows of or cares to go to the effort/expense (data costs matter to this particular music loving audience) of downloading the reader.

  @marc even if there is a QR reader on the handset – I don't believe that our audience even know what it is or how it works (yet) by which time perhaps there will be a more efficient way of delivering content where the user doesn't have to do a thing… and I think that possibility of a better solution is why most marketers in SA hesitate to use them)

  The results will be interesting and mostly I think we can commend Cell C for going to the effort of educating the potential interested consumer on how to use a “photo code” through their awful radio inserts.

  And hopefully @pawel as more players wake up and the more “codes” consumers see, the more the uptake.

• Rob Roberts

  I think that this is a step in the right direction, and will help education consumers about mobile tags. Based on the article, it appears that they are using QR codes, and not BeeTagg's proprietary mobile tags.

  http://www.pervasivetags.com is currently has a free beta of software that allows very quick and easy creation of rich mobile optimized sites with video, images, maps, and mobile coupons. The software also generates QR codes to link to the mobile site.

• http://twitter.com/qrarts Patrick Donnelly

  I have about 22 QR readers on my phone, but I would like to try it out still. Where can we download?

  -Patrick Donnelly
  QR Arts

• robdickens

  Totally agree with Marc (and others). Trying to force people to use proprietary technology is ridiculous, especially when the globally adopted and popular open standard is already the QR (2d code) – big in Japan lol. Microsoft's Tag is also kak. This will fade away and be filed under “nice try” Cell C. No you are not trendy and cutting edge, you've obviously made some money-making deal with BeeTagg.

  I use UpCode (http://www.upcode.com/), it's free and it works like a bomb.

• Gabrielle Rosario

  And Mashable releases a great article on Why QR codes are poised to hit the mainstream (not like they haven't been mainstream in Japan for years!) http://bit.ly/dC5RrD

• Mike Sharman

  I agree with the opinions that support the 'adoption and evangelising of standard QR'. I hear Vodacom is also at work on punting its own proprietary software. It's taken AGES for even the States to get into the swing of standard QR promotion and Mashable articles like the one Gabi posted above, as well as this one http://mashable.com/2010/07/13/calvin-klein-qr-… are extremely encouraging.

  I hope that the large SA brands sit up and take note: if this technology is to succeed – from both a commercial and general perspective – you all need to work together to PR standard QR technology. The public will reject the tech if there are too many options, and currently in SA there are too many egos (and possibly cash deals) involved.

  I'm passionate about this technology and the potential that it presents for everyday life – everything from museums using it to provide viewers with additional online info re artwork, to innovative marketing campaigns. It's up to us in the marketing industry to encourage our clients to use standard QR, because if we don't, we'll all lose out on this exciting development.

• Mattarnold

  You should definately try out the PhotoCode reader, works really well. You can find intructions and a code that links to some great band content here: http://www.pixelvulture.com/index.php/2010/07/c…

• Mike Sharman

  Hi Matt,

  No one is disputing whether or not PhotoCode works well. Cell C's biggest fuck up is trying to punt its proprietary software. It's a shortsighted and selfish move that may have short-term benefits but lacks long-term sustainability.

• http://memeburn.com/2010/11/9-creative-uses-of-qr-codes-for-your-business/ 9 creative uses of QR Codes for your business | memeburn

  [...] real world objects. However, I’m not a big fan of proprietary apps and coding. For instance, Cell C recently launched the Bee-Tag powered PhotoCode in South Africa, while Microsoft is trying to push their [...]

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