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Alternative To QR Code Uses NFC and Cheap Rectennas

Posted by timothy on from the which-infrastructure-do-you-prefer? dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The BBC reports researchers in Korea have developed a technology that can be used as a viable alternative to QR codes. Made of plastic and electronic ink, the rectennas cost less than one penny each to produce and use the NFC standards for wireless radio communication to devices. They are seen as a cheap, easy-to-print and environmentally friendly way to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes, the usage of which has greatly increased in the last few years."

4 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. Rectannas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Rectannas is just not an appealing word...

  2. Missing the point? by squiggleslash · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The entire point of a QR-Code is that it can be placed where-ever anything visual can be placed. You can put a QR code on a billboard, on a streetsign, on a television image, in a newspaper, on a bus ad...

    --
    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
    1. Re:Missing the point? by siddesu · · Score: 5, Insightful

      When I hear "antenna" and "NFC" I can't help but think that QR has one important "shortcomming" -- it can only get into my phone if I want it to. Now, imagine the marketing potential for something that can be read without user interaction by a helpful app and you'll see the appeal ...

  3. Environmentally friendly? by vlm · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They are seen as a ... environmentally friendly way to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of QR codes...

    I'm mystified how that works. Its not like QR codes are inherently toxic by shape, like prions, nanoparticles, or asbestos fibers.

    The only QR code I've ever used for a "real" purpose is holding my phone up to the screen to scan a google authenticator QR code. I'm not sure how that would translate to a NFC solution like this... have to print out on a 3-d printer or something?

    --
    "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger