Month: November 2011

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Homebase QR Code

This is another one of those mainstream uses of QR Codes that really fails to deliver for the consumer.

Regular readers of the blog will know that I have been noting where I have seen QR Codes in the mainstream, in other words in the places regular people will see and use them.

This particular QR Code was found on a flyer from Homebase which was delivered through the door with the post.

As you can see, there are instructions telling you that you need to scan it in with your smartphone.

The first issue is that have you seen the size of that QR Code? I have enlarged the picture so if you want to scan it in yourself you will be able to.

The problem is that the URL they are using is too big and the resulting QR Code is as a result very complicated.

http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomebaseStaticPage
SecondLevel?langId=110&storeId=10151&includeName=HBCreate
TheLook/createthelook_collections.html&int_cmp=hp_main_beinspired

They should have used a shorter URL so that the QR Code was less complicated. I know from experience that some phones, notably the iPhone 3G and 3GS with low resolution cameras have trouble reading and resolving very complicated QR Codes. Using a short URL would have resulted in a less complicated QR Code and so less potential errors when reading and resolving them when using a phone with a low resolution camera. I should say though that the iPhone 4 with the Optiscan App read and resolved the code just fine.

So once you have read the code where does the it take you?

Well to the standard Homebase website.

This is not a mobile version of the site, no, just the full standard version, which to be honest doesn’t really work on the small screen on a phone.

I did check by opening the page in Safari to see if there was a mobile version, no there was not.

So does this use of a QR Code work?

Well the code does what it says, it takes you to the full range on their website, however the QR Code is too complicated for what it needs to do and the website really should be optimised for a mobile device.

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Open source DTP software

Was recently reminded about Scribus, an open source DTP package for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux.

Scribus is an open-source program that brings award-winning professional page layout to Linux/Unix, MacOS X, OS/2 and Windows desktops with a combination of “press-ready” output and new approaches to page layout. Underneath the modern and user friendly interface, Scribus supports professional publishing features, such as CMYK color, separations, ICC color management and versatile PDF creation.

Could be an alternative for InDesign, Quark and of course Publisher. Scribus website.

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Fantastic Contraption for iPhone – Game Choice #01

If you like using your iPhone for games (in the main casual gaming) then you may be interested in the following games that I have enjoyed playing on my iPhone over the last few years.

Fantastic Contraption – £1.49

If my memory serves me correctly I was introduced to this game by that Dave Foord. However the first time I played it was on my computer, as it was a Flash game. So when it came out for iPhone I did go out and buy it.

In Fantastic Contraption you build a machine from simple parts to move objects to a goal. There’s physics involved but don’t worry, just press “Start” and watch what happens! The simple controls and step-by-step tutorial will have you building fantastic contraptions in no time!

The concept is simple move stuff from one place to another using the bits, wheels and parts available.

What I like about the game is that there is a learning element, not just in the fact that there is physics involved, but that in order to pass a level you need to use trial and error and learn from your mistakes. Unlike some other games there isn’t a single solution either, so you don’t have to follow the path that the games designer usually makes for these kinds of games, you can create your own path entirely. One feature of the game is when you have completed a level you can see the solutions that others came up with.

As with a lot of games on the iPhone this one is nice in that you don’t need to spend a huge amount of time playing the game to have fun. You can spend five minutes fancompleting a level and then put the phone away (and catch that train or start watching that film).

For those that finish all the levels, there is now Fantastic Contraption 2.

Fantastic Contraption 2 is the sequel to the original Flash hit Fantastic Contraption! Developed in response to fan requests, Fantastic Contraption 2 contains the anticipated features of magnets, moving platforms, and a new integrated badge system. Users will also be able to conquer more than 60 new levels, master linking chains, and build creative contraptions of their own using the new Level Editor!

Get Fantastic Contraption in the iTunes App Store. – No longer available.