“Existing 2D barcode formats were too big.” The difference between Microsoft’s HCCB and other 2D codes is the color. “Using colors means it can store more information than black and white codes,” said ...

In conjunction with the QR code sticker roll-out, Google is also giving away 40,000 Quickmark QR Code Reader apps for the iPhone, which normally cost $1.99 apiece. But you can use any QR code reader.

The initiative by the standards organization could bring traditional 1D barcodes into the 2D world of data matrix and QR-codes. After five decades of barcode use at the point of sale, the technology ...

Barcodes have defined how we shop for almost 50 years – but now one of the most ubiquitous technologies on the planet are set to become a relic of the past, writes Anthony Cuthbertson.

2D barcodes, like Data Matrix, QR Code or PDF417, use patterns of squares, hexagons, dots and other shapes to encode data. Because of their structure, 2D barcodes can hold more data than 1D (up to ...

There are several types of next generation 2D barcodes. The QR Code is the most widely used in retail, while the GS1 DataMatrix is commonly used in healthcare.