Google takes on Zagat with disruptive decal technology

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?entry_id=52914&tsp=1

by gibsonf1 • 17 years ago

15 7 17 years ago

tumult• 17 years ago

Users may have to download a so-called QR-Code reader application for this to work.

WHOAH I DON'T THINK I CAN DO THEM THAR FANCY SHMANCY WHAT'S YOU CALLS IT? CUER CODES? YA DAMN KIDS AN' YUR THINGERMABOBS.

I guess it makes sense that SF Gate treats its readers like semi-vegetative flesh sacks, since I guess that's actually a good proportion of their reader base.

Also, when I copied that text from the page, it inserted an advertisement into my clipboard alongside the text I had highlighted, using JavaScript. Yikes.

ct• 17 years ago

Google is just everywhere. I like the idea of barcode scanning on the decals via your phone to pull up the restaurant for submitting/looking up reviews.

fiaz• 17 years ago

I kind of like the other-worldly aspect of the Zagat rating. The fact that it is exclusive makes me feel as though the rating carries more weight behind it.

whatajoke• 17 years ago

Nokia phones have this bar code scanner application built in. But I never had the chance to use it before :)

If you have a phone with such an app, you can try it out on images here -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code

eli• 17 years ago

Taking a picture of a decal sounds like the same amount of work as punching in its name. And, bonus, I don't have to be standing in front of a restaurant to type in its name.

Some variant of QR Codes have been the Next Big Thing in US mobile for at least 6 years, but I'm still not quite sure I see the point. Clever new data input methods (like on-screen keyboards that actually work and GPS) make this more like a solution looking for a problem.

nanexcool• 17 years ago

QuickMark QR code reader iPhone app is now free courtesy of Google (limited time).

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickmark-qr-code-reader/id30... (iTunes link)

noelchurchill• 17 years ago

Sounds like more competition for Yelp than anything else.

Google takes on Zagat with disruptive decal technology

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