

Although initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users. QR Codes storing addresses and URLS appear in magazines, on signs, buses, business cards or just about any object that users might need information about.
Users with a camera phone equipped with the reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the URL. This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink. Users can also generate and print their own QR Code for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR Code generating sites.

Branding and commercial links are the most widespread usages. Brands can create a code from their logo or website URL and print it on flyers, clothing, mugs or into magazines. The London/Zurich based design collaboration Lendorff.Kaywa for example, produced a limited edition scarf which has a QR code knitted into it.
Even tourism can profit from QR codes as CitySearch and Antenna Audio began in Spring 2008 to put reviews and audio snippets into codes on San Francisco historical landmarks and restaurants. The usage of codes as tickets for events like concerts is in development but still awaits a broader usage of QR code capable mobiles.

The future of QR code

Following that development people started creating artworks featuring or consisting of QR codes and thus combined the practical hightech code with fine arts.