Facebook adding QR codes to user profiles

Social networking giant Facebook is rolling out new tools enabling users to generate custom two-dimensional QR (for Quick Response) barcodes. QR codes--matrix codes designed for high-speed conversion via camera-enabled mobile phones--allow users to more efficiently store and access content like video, text and photos, and at present are most commonly found in commercial tracking applications and mobile marketing efforts. Facebook is introducing both personal QR codes and status-based QR codes but declined to divulge its rationale for launching the new technology, telling TechCrunch "We're always testing various features on the site, but we have nothing more to share at this time."

According to PCWorld, QR codes are all the rage at the annual South by Southwest music and technology event, taking place this week in Austin, Texas--bloggers are wearing t-shirts emblazoned with QR codes linking directly to their Twitter feeds, and conference badges contain codes connecting to attendees' profiles on the SXSW website.

For more on Facebook's QR code introduction:
- read this TechCrunch article

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