Google Introduces QR Codes for Places

by Stephen Logan on 21st April 2010

QR codes, named for the "quick response" that they offer smartphone users, are being introduced by Google to help direct mobile users to businesses on its Google Places service.

The innovation means that businesses can now supplement their existing use of SEO services by optimising for specific geographical regions more closely.

After following the visual link using their smartphone’s camera, users can bookmark the page for a return visit at a later date.

"QR codes can be placed on business cards or other marketing materials and customers can scan them with certain smartphones to be taken directly to the mobile version of the Place Page for that business," vice-president of Google Maps, Earth and Local John Hanke writes on the Official Google Blog.

The introduction of QR codes comes as Google renames the Local Business Center as Google Places, strengthening its link with the Place Pages service for the future.