Advantages and Disadvantages of QR code

Advantages and Disadvantages of QR code

QR codes are two dimensional quick response codes that are now gaining notability and popularity in the United States. They are easy to use and versatile. The code itself stores huge amounts of information that is easily scanned and stored onto a mobile device. Many businesses are now adopting this code as a means of marketing and as another way to attract customers to the internet for more information. QR codes have both advantages and disadvantages and both benefits and drawbacks of the code should be understood before using the QR code as a marketing technique.
Advantages
The main advantage of a QR code is its versatility. QR codes can be used for anything and everything. They are also beneficial for both customers and businesses. For example, a business saves money and advertising costs by distributing a QR code to their website or URL. A customer can scan this QR code and this allows them to store the information for future reference. What’s also greater about QR codes is that they bridge different forms of marketing streams together. For example ecommerce and mobile commerce are both used for QR codes. QR codes acts as the link and it also exposes customers to other forms of advertising the business or service of the QR code has done. This maximizes exposure and can potentially generate revenue.
What is a QR code
Disadvantage
One disadvantage of QR codes and perhaps the biggest problem is the lack of familiarity of the QR code among people. Although QR codes are popping up everywhere from on plant specimen labels to library catalogues, there is a large demographic in society that still don’t know what QR codes represent. These proses a problem as companies and business are using the QR code to advertise information that a potential customer might be interested in, but if the customer doesn’t know how to find the information, then they might not buy the product or service and this can lose business thousands of dollars. One way to counteract this disadvantage is product knowledge. Not only should businesses be using QR codes for it’s obvious benefits and advantages but they should also be directing customers on where and how to get the information. Another major disadvantage of a QR code is the codes dependability on a mobile device or smartphone. The whole concept of a QR code and its benefits are strictly based on its ability to be scanned by a mobile device. If a consumer does not have a mobile device or smartphone, then the QR code is not beneficial to them and they lose out.

 http://www.estateqrcodes.com/advantages-disadvantages.html

 

Dubai detectives to get Google Glass to fight crime

 

A man wears a Google Glass at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, California June 2, 2014.

DUBAI Thu Oct 2, 2014 6:31am EDT

 
(Reuters) - Dubai police plan to issue detectives with Google Glass hands-free eyewear to help them fight crime using facial recognition technology, a police spokesman in the wealthy Gulf Arab emirate said.

The wearable device consists of a tiny computer screen mounted in the corner of an eyeglass frame and is capable of taking photos, recording video and playing sound.
The spokesman confirmed a report in Dubai's 7 Days newspaper that software developed by Dubai police would enable a connection between the wearer and a database of wanted people.
Once the device "recognized" a suspect based on a face print, it would alert the officer wearing the gadget.
The gadget would be used in a first phase to combat traffic violations and track vehicles suspected of involvement in motoring offences. A second phase would see the technology rolled out to detectives, the spokesman said.
The U.S. Internet company said in a blogpost in May that anyone in the United States could buy the gadget for $1,500.
Dubai's decision appears in line with the authorities' determination to spare no expense in equipping the police.
Last year Dubai announced it would supply its police with $400,000 Lamborghini sports cars for use at major tourist sites. Dubai's deputy police chief said the vehicles were in keeping with the Gulf capital's image.
Dubai, one of seven emirates in the UAE federation, is staging a recovery from the financial crisis it suffered during the global financial crisis in 2009. The emirate recently announced several big projects, including a huge tourism and retail development with the largest shopping mall in the world.
(This version of the story has been corrected to change headline to show recognition database software developed by police not Google)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/02/us-emirates-dubai-google-police-idUSKCN0HR0W320141002

Logging on to your digital career – what are the options?

You don't have to be a computer scientist to work for a website. Amy Edwards looks at career options in the digital industry

Coding is just the tip of the iceberg of careers in the digital industries. Photograph: Tom Till/Getty Images

If you went off headlines alone, you'd think that every part the British economy was sinking further and further into the depths of despair. But there is one industry that we all deal with every day, in one way or another, that's going from strength to strength, with new jobs opening up all the time. It's the digital industry.
From reading blogs and searching for jobs, to checking your social media profiles and shopping, almost everyone has a relationship with some kind of digital media or online platform on a daily basis. And the more we use the internet, the more career opportunities we're inadvertently creating.
Websites don't just appear by magic – they're normally built over an extended period of time by a group of dedicated individuals. From design and user interface to the content and architecture, every element of a website has been carefully considered, assessed and strategised. Nothing is there by accident. And the sector is vast: Google alone employees almost 54,000 staff worldwide.
From analysing the journey a user makes when visiting a website, to managing customer interactions and planning for future digital trends, websites need an incredible amount of skill, manpower and resources to run successfully. And this means they need to recruit employees with a range of skills and experiences. So just because you're not a computer scientist, it doesn't mean you can't have a successful digital career.
Here is a selection of the main categories that roles fall into:

Online marketing

This is a blanket term used to cover more niche areas, such as search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), pay-per-click (PPC) and social media. It includes any process involved in promoting a brand and raising its profile online. From interacting on Twitter to increasing a website's ranking on Google, there are lots of different elements which all require a number of different skills and experience. When it comes to SEO, PPC and SEM, a knowledge of the search industry and best practice is essential, while practical experience is favoured for social media roles.

Online content

The natural choice for anyone who loves writing, online content covers everything you see on a website. From blog writing to video production, creativity is the name of the game. It's about creating compelling material which strikes a chord with the website's target audience.
You can start to pick up the skills you need by creating blogs and other online content yourself. This is easier than ever thanks to free platforms such as WordPress and Blogger. A degree in a related discipline, such as journalism or creative writing, can also help.

Ecommerce

Jobs in ecommerce can be anything to do with buying and selling online. It could be digital sales and account management or more niche areas related to online advertising. The skills required depend on the role you're interested in. For instance, if you're interested in account and campaign management or sales, you need to have great people skills.

Web and software development

The web development industry is now more diverse than ever, with gaming, mobile and apps all being important areas. In this sector a degree in computer science or a related discipline can go a long way. However, it's a good working knowledge of things like coding and HTML, and experience with iOS, Android and Blackberry development that is really valued by employers.

Analytics and research

It's no good having a website if you don't know how well it's doing or how it can be improved. That's where analytics and research roles come into play. Professionals use tools like Google analytics to monitor traffic coming into the site and conversion rates – data that is used to make improvements and predictions to help brands plan and strategise for the coming months and years. Needless to say these particular roles are all concerned with data and numbers so a strong analytical and numerical mind is essential.

Web and graphic design

The perfect choice for creative types, web and graphic designers are responsible for creating compelling onsite designs, graphics and images which fit with brand values. A strong portfolio is a must, while a good working knowledge of popular programmes like Photoshop, InDesign and Fireworks is also usually essential. Some knowledge of HTML and CSS could also help to secure a web design job.

Location

Despite what you may think, being based in London isn't the be all and end all when it comes to digital jobs. Thanks to things like MediaCity in Manchester and the Cambridge Cluster, other cities all over the UK are becoming digital hubs in their own rights.

The future

The digital industry is growing at incredible rate and, with new platforms, websites and apps being released daily, it shows no signs of slowing down. There are a wealth of niche job boards, specialist recruiters and career sites dedicated to jobs in the sector, most of which weren't around a few years ago. So can you really afford to stand on the sidelines of the digital industry any longer? 2013 might be the year you get involved.
Amy Edwards is a search engine optimisation manager for Bubble Jobs

cute USB ports

Holder Stand for iPad Sumsang Galaxy Tab

Specifications For Type Features Color Material Dimensions (cm) Weight (kg) Package Contents

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Stands

All-In-1

Black

ABS

22 x 15 x 6.5

0.217

1 Tablet Stand

Car Pillow Clip Multi-Direction Holder Stand for iPad Sumsang Galaxy Tab

Kolelinia Lab's Halfbike Proves Less Can Be More When it Comes to Urban Mobility

by Beth Buczynski, 03/17/14

In most cases, waking up to find half a bike in your garage would throw a wrench in your morning commute. But that’s not the case with the Halfbike, a new vehicle by Kolelinia Lab. Technically a tricycle, Halfbike combines the motions of cycling and running to provide a remarkably quick and enjoyable mode of transportation. If you don’t like the feeling of being hunched over traditional road bike’s handlebars, and if the aesthetics of the Segway cramp your style, Halfbike could be the perfect medium. And unlike other crazy bike concepts, it’s actually for sale!

“We see the Halfbike as an alternative for people tired of sitting in traffic jams, which at the same time improves their experience of travel,” writes Martin Angelov, inventor of Halfbike and co-founder of Kolelinia Lab with Mihail Klenov.

The Halfbike combines the familiar functions of pedaling and braking with the upright steering normally reserved for vehicles like the Segway. The upright riding position provides better visibility and excellent control. You turn simply by leaning in the desired direction. Just feel the ride and follow your body – the rest comes naturally. As the video above demonstrates, with a little practice, the Halfbike becomes an extension of the human form, flowing over various surfaces and through pedestrian traffic with ease.
The Halfbike was designed for commuting short distances of 1-3 miles, but it’s small enough to take on-board public transport for longer trips. It’s compact enough for an elevator, light enough to carry up stairs, and it fits into spaces too small for a normal bicycle–perfect for the urban commuter living in a fourth floor walk-up.

The Halfbike is produced by hand locally from high-quality materials and components. The lightweight aluminum frame is laser cut and hand welded, and the handlebar is handcrafted from impregnated plywood. All components are meticulously selected from well-renowned manufacturers and carefully assembled in Kolelinia’s USA workshop.
Think the Halfbike could be the whole answer to your transportation woes? It’s available for purchase now on halfbikes.com and on Kickstarter. Shipping begins Summer 2014 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Prices start at $799 for the limited edition model.
+ Halfbike
All images © Kolelinia

 

Read more: Kolelinia Lab's Halfbike Proves Less Can Be More When it Comes to Urban Mobility | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building 

BlackBerry Unveils Low-Cost Smartphone With Indonesia in Mind

By JOE COCHRANEMAY 13, 2014

John S. Chen, the chief executive of BlackBerry, showing off the Z3 device on Tuesday. Credit Beawiharta/Reuters  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The smartphone maker BlackBerry unveiled a new model on Tuesday that it has hopes of bringing to emerging markets in Asia and South America.

The phone, the BlackBerry Z3, will at first be available exclusively for Indonesia, one of its largest markets. John S. Chen, the chief executive of the struggling company, said it was a step toward one of the biggest parts of his job: to make the BlackBerry brand cool again.

“BlackBerry has new technology and is financially stable,” he said on Tuesday after an event here to announce the new phone. “I think that’s got to be the first step — to explain that.”

“When people have no concerns about BlackBerry the company,” he added, “then the product will be cool again.”

BlackBerry has struggled in recent years, as its business in the crucial American market collapsed. The company posted a loss of $5.9 billion for its last fiscal year.

In 2012, Thorsten Heins was appointed chief executive with a mandate to turn the company around. He left late last year as a takeover bid for BlackBerry fell apart. Mr. Chen took the reins and said this year that he planned to focus on the company’s smaller software and services business, though he added that BlackBerry would still sell phones.

Mr. Chen denied that the low-cost Z3 touch-screen model was a last-ditch effort to remain relevant in the industry.

“If this device allows them to grow again, even if it’s just small, steady growth, that’s a success in itself,” said Ryan Lai, a market analyst at the consulting firm IDC, Reuters reported. “That says there is still room for BlackBerry in Indonesia.”

BlackBerry produced the Z3 in partnership with the Foxconn Technology Group of Taiwan. Mr. Chen said that the partnership with Foxconn, which manufactures the Z3, had given BlackBerry the ability to compete in emerging markets, and that, if sales went well, “it could be a sign of things to come.”

For its part, Foxconn is considering investing at least $1 billion in Indonesia to build manufacturing plants that would produce smartphones and other electronic devices.

BlackBerry plans to sell the Z3 in six other Asian markets, including India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and is hoping for unit sales “in the millions” across the region.

In Indonesia, the phone will retail for 2.2 million rupiah, or about $190. The words “Jakarta Edition” will be engraved on the backs of a limited run of 25,000 units.

BlackBerry held a flashy event for the Z3 on Tuesday at the Ritz-Carlton hotel here, featuring hip-hop dancers on a laser-lit stage and female ushers wearing aqua-blue cocktail dresses and black high heels.

The Z3 Jakarta Edition will go on sale in the capital on Thursday through authorized sellers, and as on many debut days for new phone models, lines are expected to be long.

The phone has several special applications for Indonesian users, including local banking and travel services, and, in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, a directory of halal food. The Z3 operates in the Indonesian national language as well as many regional dialects, including Javanese.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/14/business/international/blackberry-unveils-low-cost-smartphone-in-effort-to-win-back-indonesia.html?_r=0