There are instances where it is in widespread use. Japanese print ads have 2D barcodes on them. Even blogs and webpages have 2D barcodes, so you can access UR

There are instances where it is in widespread use. Japanese print ads have 2D barcodes on them. Even blogs and webpages have 2D barcodes, so you can access URL from your phone. (You can use the 2Dbarcode to forward the blog to your friends, which your phone already has a list of them) There are a couple things different there. Most Japanese peoples' access to the internet has been through their cell phones, rather than through their computers. Landlines are much more expensive than having a cell phone. In addition, the majority of Japanese are in urban areas where they use public transportation. That gives them a lot of down time to play with their phones. The print ads in the train have the 2D bar codes on them, so people can check out the ad while they're riding the train. Given that unless you have a full keypad (real or virtual), it's still harder typing in a phone, than using a 2D barcode. That said, I don't think Americans (Don't know about europe) will find as much use for 2D barcodes for print ads, as we drive everywhere. However, if I'm walking around the city, I'd find it very handy to be able to check out how many tickets are left for a show and being able to buy tickets for the show from the URL in a 2D barcode on the print ad for a show across town for some impromptu entertainment. It would also be useful if sewn onto tags of pillows, clothing, other products, etc, so that would provide product information, or at least a URL that has the manual, or specs. That way, if some piece were broken, it'd be an easy way to order replacement parts.