What is the difference between a QR Code and an AR Code?

QR Code Tech | 01/07/2025 | Twitter Facebook Linkedin Email Reddit

QR Codes emerged in the early 2000s, becoming a global phenomenon. They serve various purposes such as payments, accessing information, and event admissions.

The Evolution of the QR Code

The QR Code was developed by Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara of Denso Wave in 1999. Initially designed as an industrial tool for automotive equipment, QR Codes became widely accessible due to Denso Wave's public licensing and open patent rights.

QR Codes gained significant traction in Japan, and by the early 2000s, Japanese mobile phones included scanners, a trend that quickly spread across other Asian nations.

QR Codes gained popularity in Europe and the US in conjunction with the rise of smartphones and barcode scanning applications.

Most smartphone operating systems today include built-in QR Code readers. For instance, Apple's iOS and iPadOS feature a dedicated scanning button.

While QR Codes have recently become more popular in the West, Asia has been utilizing them for a longer period. In the US and Europe, they were primarily used for web access, whereas in Asia, they were employed for storing consumer data and maintaining industrial equipment.

Today, the use of QR Codes is expanding in the West, while in Asia, they are being used for shopping, social media, and augmented reality experiences.

From the QR Code to the AR Code

Over the past decade, QR Codes have evolved in tandem with technological advancements, transforming into a versatile optical recognition tool suitable for emerging digital applications.

"QR Code" stands for Quick Response Code. Although initially developed for industrial purposes, it led to the creation of systems such as bcode, BEEtag, Aztec Code, Data Matrix, EZcode, Snapchat's Snapcode, and Apple's App Clips Code.

During the web 1.0 era, QR Codes pointed users to basic websites. Now, in the era of social media and e-commerce, they facilitate data sharing and payments. In the future, AR Codes will enable augmented reality experiences.

AR Codes are essentially QR Codes that serve as anchors for augmented reality experiences.

Rumor has it that Apple will introduce the "Apple Vision Code" alongside the Apple Vision headset. Currently, "App Clips Codes" enable users to download mini-applications.

What's Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality involves the integration of optical processes and spatial computing to overlay virtual elements onto the physical world with immersive audio, enhancing the user's perspective.

Key concepts of augmented reality include:

• AR Device: There are over 2 billion AR-supported smartphones in existence today, with AR glasses expected to hit mass markets soon. Companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook are at the forefront of AR innovation, with Apple advancing ARKit and Facebook working towards a metaverse.

• AR Content: AR content is expanding from everyday games to photo/video filters. Future interfaces for computers and theaters will leverage AR, reshaping social interactions. Microsoft's Hololens 2 exemplifies the social potential of augmented reality.

• AR Render: Technology giants are competing for leadership in the AR domain. While many operate on proprietary platforms, WebAR remains open source. AR.js functions on major browsers, with advanced rendering capabilities available on premium smartphones. Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore dominate, reaching nearly a billion devices.

• AR Anchoring: AR experiences can be anchored in various ways:

  • Direct Environment Anchoring: AR displays appear in the user's vicinity, similar to AR games.
  • Geolocation Anchoring: Activation of AR content at specific city locations.
  • Object Recognition Anchoring: Recognizes objects, buildings, or faces using WebAR for AR displays.
  • Ultra-wideband Anchoring: Future AR capabilities exemplified by Apple's AirTag.
  • AR Codes Anchoring: Transformed QR Codes, known as AR Codes, serve as anchors for AR experiences on consumer products, cards, storefronts, and more.

AR Code harnesses the power of AR anchoring, content, and rendering. By scanning an AR Code, users access specific content hosted on AR Cloud servers or third-party platforms.

Engage Your Audience with AR Codes

AR Codes create an innovative bridge between the physical and digital worlds, effectively engaging audiences. Through immersive experiences, businesses capture interest and effectively convey information. Imagine a product package with a scannable AR Code that unveils a 3D model, tutorial video, or virtual demo. This approach boosts user engagement and fosters conversions. Brands can create bespoke AR content using features such as 3D Files Upload, Object Capture, AR Face Filter, and AR Video.

AR Code SaaS: Explore 4 AR Renderings

Immersive AR: This feature projects AR experiences into environments, showcasing 3D objects and animations.

Face Filters AR: This feature delivers AR face filters created on the AR Code platform, seamlessly integrating images or logos.

Flying Over AR: This feature allows videos, 3D models, or data to float above AR QR Codes. Edit text remotely through our interface or the API.

AI Assistance AR: With AI Code, this feature analyzes photos using AI for personalized feedback.

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