Flattr, an online micro-payment system which allows users to tip their favorite web site in the virtual world, can now be used offline as well. The Swedish company just joined the ever growing trend of QR codes and has released Flattr4Android, their new app for smart phones.
By using Flattr4Android users can “Flattr” their favorite street musician or street artist just by scanning the QR code that the artist has created for themselves. The QR code then functions just like a tip jar, allowing you to put money into their account. Then the artist can download their money from tips once a month…all with one touch of a button on your phone.
Now, instead of seeing hand written cardboard signs propped up in a guitar case asking for donations, we’ll see a nice big black and white code in that guitar case and we will know…Tips are accepted!
Also, in addition Flattr4Android also lets the user “Flattr” their favorite Android application too…hint, hint!
Started by Peter Sunde, Flattr has been best known for their well publicized client Wikileaks whom added a Flattr button to one of their pages as a way to generate income from visitors.
While this virtual “Tip Jar” concept has been a little slow to catch on, the QR code application is viewed as just one more way to reach the masses.
