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There are other software companies that have created 2D codes that work much like QR codes, with Microsoft being the most notable.  Microsoft developed their own proprietary software to create codes known as MS tags.  Unlike QR codes, which can be read by a number of different readers, MS tags can only be read by the Microsoft Tag Reader.

Calls to Action – After building a community, the next logical step is to mobilize them to take action.   What are you trying to accomplish?  You can alternate special offers by simply linking your QR codes to new landing pages, and you can combine then with email opt-ins to build your list.

SEO and SMO – Earlier this month I wrote an article on social graphs where I discuss how web objects such as images, music clips, and videos add valuable content to your social graph.  QR codes enhance both your search engine and social media optimization.  Now you can increase traffic to those searchable objects to further optimize them by encouraging more sharing.

Social Proof – To help build a community offline, it can be helpful to use your vibrant online communities as social proof of your influence and expertise.  As one example, you can use QR codes to link to specific blog posts that have earned an abundance of activity.

In November 2009, the iPhone OS accounted for 55% of the mobile web usage in the US; now it's down to 44%. In the same timespan, Android grew from 27% to 42%. The US can be seen as a test bed for the rest of the world, since Android hasn't been pushed as much outside of the US as it has been inside of the US. In Apple's defence, though, the arrival of the iPad in the coming weeks may reverse the declining trend of the iPhone OS. And, as noted, the iPod Touch is not included in these figures. All in all, it's clear that Android is no longer just a speck on the horizon. Google's mobile operating system is a serious threat to Apple's iPhone, which could further explain why Apple decided to sue HTC. Jobs might be drinking coffee with Schmidt in a nicely staged press moment, but in the meantime, the '80s and '90s are happening all over again for Apple: the PC business model beating the Mac one.