Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#1

Post by virologist » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 5:12 PM UTC

a recent "feature" update of google chrome has a "create QR code of this page" button on its search box (address bar).

does anyone actually need/use this?

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#2

Post by PaulHoule » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 5:13 PM UTC

It's an easy way to copy a link to a mobile device.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#3

Post by moxylush » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 5:34 PM UTC

I've been using them inside github readme.md files. Seems like a convenient way to send mobile users to a demo page.

Example:

https://github.com/arcanus55/neodigm55

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#4

Post by cpach » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 6:15 PM UTC

Yeah it feels a bit weird.

Maybe it’s intended for marketing persons? E.g. when you need a link for use on a poster and stuff like that.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#5

Post by devonnull » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 6:22 PM UTC

Maybe some people do. But if you don't use this feature, ignore it. The button being there doesn't affect your use of Chrome, does it? And if it does, it might be time to switch browsers.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#6

Post by gusmd » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 10:03 PM UTC

I use it to copy links from my work Macbook to my Android phone.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#7

Post by kbelder » Tue, Nov 16, 2021, 10:26 PM UTC

cpach wrote: post #4

Yeah it feels a bit weird. Maybe it’s intended for marketing persons? E.g. when you need a link for use on a poster and stuff like that.

Yeah, without QR codes you need to keep URLs short and clean, or customers won't type them in. With QR codes you can seamlessly pass all the tracking parameters you want. It's the main reason companies have been pushing QR codes in ads for years, since the CueCat in 2000.

I'm astonished that they seem to have picked up traction the last couple years.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#8

Post by throwaway27727 » Wed, Nov 17, 2021, 1:24 AM UTC

It's so you can open the page on your phone.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#9

Post by motyar » Wed, Nov 17, 2021, 8:39 AM UTC

I think it's very useful to send links to mobile.

I use https://Qrile.com everyday, may times for the same.

Re: Ask HN: Why should I create QR code of this page?

#10

Post by drowe859 » Thu, Nov 18, 2021, 3:20 PM UTC

PaulHoule wrote: post #2

It's an easy way to copy a link to a mobile device.

Yup this is what I use it for as well! It's been very handy for when I want to text a link to an article I've read on the work computer (which doesn't have iMessage/Discord/chat apps)