Scanning QR codes will get a little easier for those finding them while browsing the Internet. ZBar, a comprehensive software suite for reading barcodes from various sources, has been released as an open source program for PC users. The program allows those on a PC or laptop to scan QR codes that are embedded in video or image files without having to take out their phone to scan the code.
The program is well suited for the tech-savvy, but those that are less comfortable with coding and programming may find it intimidating. ZBar is installed through the command prompt on PC’s – something that many users are not familiar with. The program has an installation and usage guide to ease the learning curve.
ZBar is available for Windows, Linux/Unix, iOS, and iPhone. The program offers high speed scanning from video streams embedded with QR codes. It has a small memory footprint, meaning that it is lightweight and is not cumbersome to the other operations of the PC.
The program is developed as an open source project, allowing for it to be used in both personal and commercial capacities.
While smart phones may continue to be the primary method through which people scan QR codes, the advent of ZBar is showing that QR codes are becoming a prominent part of everyday life. QR usage has risen in the past six months and with that rise comes an urge to make scanning the codes easier.
As an open source project, ZBar has no official schedule for updates or support and will rely on enterprising programmers to keep the software viable.
