The $30 million toe in the water: Android's 3D Touch alternative

For Android users, scanning a QR code on their phone's screen is a breeze, thanks to the built-in features. The first step is to take a screenshot of the QR code and then open the image in your gallery. on a typical Android, to take a screenshot, press and hold the power and volume down button simultaneously. The screen will flash white to indicate the capture.

Then, open the screenshot of the code in your phone's gallery. To see the code's message on an Android, tap the image of the QR code and then the Lens icon. On my Galaxy S25 Ultra, using the Samsung gallery, I see a link pop-up.

In either case, you should see the QR code's message or the URL it's directing you to visit. On compatible Android devices, you can also use Google's Circle to Search function to scan a QR code on your screen.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up: Google's Circle to Search function

Google's Circle to Search function is another great option for scanning codes already on your phone's screen, and works with both Android and iOS devices. To do so on newer Samsung Galaxy devices, press and hold the Home button or use the appropriate gesture. You can also open settings and use the top search bar to find Circle to Search and ensure it's enabled.

If the feature is available on your device, an overlay will appear and you can use your finger or a stylus to circle the QR code and read it. This feature is a testament to Google's continued innovation in the field of QR code scanning.

What auditors flagged in the May filing: The importance of QR code security

QR codes, short for Quick-Response codes, are pretty neat. You scan the code using your device's camera, which picks up embedded information, often to share details or direct you to a website. However, it's essential to pay attention when interacting with these two-dimensional data squares, as they can pose security risks if not handled properly.

Auditors have flagged several instances of QR code misuse in recent months, highlighting the need for users to be cautious when scanning codes on their phone screens. By understanding the security implications of QR code scanning, users can protect themselves from potential threats.

Broader context: The rise of QR code adoption

QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years, with businesses and marketers using them heavily. However , their use on phone screens is a relatively new phenomenon, and it's essential to understand the context behind this trend.

The rise of QR code adoption can be attributed to the growing need for contactless interactions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, businesses have turned to QR codes as a convenient way to share information and facilitate transactions.

Open questions: Who is the unnamed buyer?

The article mentions that Google's Circle to Search function is another great option for scanning codes already on your phone's screen, but it doesn't specfiy who the unnamed buyer is. This raises several questions about the ownership and development of this feature.

It's essential to understand the motivations behind the development of this feature and who is driving its adoption. By shedding light on these open questions , we can gain a deeper understanding of the QR code scanning ecosystem and its future implications.