Competition Between QR Apps and NFC Apps

These days, numerous mobile users know about QR codes for receiving various data. But recently, another trend is out there and it could pose a threat to QR codes' success. NFC makes it possible to do similar goals, and other tasks. Thanks to NFC, smartphone holders could receive information by tapping a smartphone near an NFC chip. Many recent smartphones have this technology.

Some mobile fans presume that Near Field Communications may one day replace the 2D barcodes for good. But some people think otherwise, saying that Quick Response codes will not go away. These 2D barcodes are cheap and fast to create. Besides, the majority of camera phones can understand Quick Response codes, not just the recently released smartphones, as long as the phone has a camera and a special mobile solution. Not to mention, 2D barcodes are ideal for magazines, brochures, and other print. Besides, these black-and-white codes may be read from a distance, in case they are placed on outdoor advertising posters.

However, more and more mobile fans are convinced that NFC is a cutting-edge alternative. NFC can do the job in easier steps for the user to take: just bring the smartphone next to the tag. Near Field Communication is privacy-protected, and offers a way to send payments by tapping a portable phone. And when it come to magazines, brochures, and other print, NFC tags usually are made looking like a tag and could therefore be located on two-dimensional printed items.

It is possible that these two technologies might be alive in the years to come. Evidently, the mobile phone industry is quite diverse that there could be room for both alternatives. Already, users can find lots and lots of QR-reading apps and NFC software to choose from. Both types of QR and NFC solution show how mobile phones revolutionized our everyday lives.

The author has worked in the software industry for over 5 years in cooperation with expert mobile developers.