WebAR vs. QR Codes
QR codes (Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that can be read by smartphones and other scanning devices. They can store a variety of information, such as URLs, text, contact information, and even coupons. QR codes can now even distribute Augmented Reality content via web based AR browsers technology called WebAR.
QR codes are a versatile and convenient way to share information. They are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of applications, from marketing and advertising to product information and event registration.
Overall, QR codes are a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. As the technology continues to evolve, QR codes are likely to become even more widely used in the years to come. In 2022 alone, 80 million smartphone users in the US scanned a QR code, up 25% on 2020. This is expected to rise to 100 Million by 2025 (Scanovia).
There are three main types of QR codes: Static, Dynamic and WebAR which we’ll take a look at now.
Static QR codes are a QR code that cannot be changed after it has been created. This means that the information that the QR code points to, such as the URL, text, or image, is fixed and cannot be updated. Static QR codes are often used for marketing and advertising campaigns, as they are a more affordable option than dynamic QR codes.
Static QR codes are a versatile and affordable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. If you are looking for a QR code that does not need to be updated, static QR codes are a great option.
Dynamic QR codes are a QR code that can be updated after it has been created. This means that you can change the information that the QR code points to, such as the URL, text, or image, without having to reprint the QR code.
Dynamic QR codes are often used for marketing and advertising campaigns, as they allow businesses to track the performance of their campaigns and make changes as needed. Some Dynamic QR code tracking systems can also track consumer behavior such as where the QR code was scanned from, the time and date it was scanned, the device type being used and on occasions the locations of the scans.
Dynamic QR codes are a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes.
WebAR codes are a QR code that can be scanned to launch an augmented reality (AR) experience in a web browser, hence WebAR. This means that users do not need to download a separate app to view the AR content. WebAR QR codes can be used for a variety of purposes, such as product visualization, marketing campaigns, educational experiences and even fully integrated high end omnichannel marketing programs.
Once the WebAR experience has been generated, a QR code is produced to open the WebAR browser that contains the unique experience. This QR code can then be printed or displayed on a website or in a physical location.
When a user scans a WebAR code, their device will launch a web browser and load the AR experience. The AR experience will then appear on the user’s screen, overlaid on the real world. The user can interact with the AR content by moving their device around.
WebAR codes offer a number of advantages over traditional QR codes in that they can be used to deliver more immersive, interactive and memorable experiences, along with real-time campaign analytics and reporting that is in most cases far richer than that available through a traditional QR code. This makes WebAR not only an extremely powerful and effective marketing and communications solution, but also an essential ingredient to high performance omnichannel marketing programs.
It’s important to note that whilst the QR code technology that delivers all of these experiences types is the same, only a QR code assigned to a WebAR browser can deliver Augmented Reality Content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WebAR codes are an incredibly powerful and engaging way to deliver AR experiences to users. With no need to download a separate app or special hardware, they can be used in a variety of locations and scenarios to convey rich interactive content that stands out from traditional methods of marketing. As such, they are an essential tool for any modern omnichannel marketing stategy.
Contact us if you’d like to learn more about WebAR and how it can make a difference in your marketing.