Google takes on Zagat with disruptive decal technology

fiaz · on Dec 7, 2009

I kind of like the other-worldly aspect of the Zagat rating. The fact that it is exclusive makes me feel as though the rating carries more weight behind it.

eli · on Dec 7, 2009

Taking a picture of a decal sounds like the same amount of work as punching in its name. And, bonus, I don't have to be standing in front of a restaurant to type in its name.

Some variant of QR Codes have been the Next Big Thing in US mobile for at least 6 years, but I'm still not quite sure I see the point. Clever new data input methods (like on-screen keyboards that actually work and GPS) make this more like a solution looking for a problem.

whatajoke · on Dec 7, 2009

Nokia phones have this bar code scanner application built in. But I never had the chance to use it before :)

If you have a phone with such an app, you can try it out on images here -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code

nanexcool · on Dec 7, 2009

QuickMark QR code reader iPhone app is now free courtesy of Google (limited time).

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickmark-qr-code-reader/id30... (iTunes link)

noelchurchill · on Dec 7, 2009

Sounds like more competition for Yelp than anything else.

ct · on Dec 7, 2009

Google is just everywhere. I like the idea of barcode scanning on the decals via your phone to pull up the restaurant for submitting/looking up reviews.

tumult · on Dec 7, 2009

Users may have to download a so-called QR-Code reader application for this to work.

WHOAH I DON'T THINK I CAN DO THEM THAR FANCY SHMANCY WHAT'S YOU CALLS IT? CUER CODES? YA DAMN KIDS AN' YUR THINGERMABOBS.

I guess it makes sense that SF Gate treats its readers like semi-vegetative flesh sacks, since I guess that's actually a good proportion of their reader base.

Also, when I copied that text from the page, it inserted an advertisement into my clipboard alongside the text I had highlighted, using JavaScript. Yikes.