Are QR codes delivering for you?

Just did a story for one of the graphics magazines I write for on QR codes.

Now there’s a technology where Realtors have really taken the lead.

Sign shops, from independents to large national chains, all cite real estate professionals early adopters codes, the largest group to embrace QR so far. Seems these graphic grids will eventually become a fixture on all types of signs and printed marketing materials, but real estate is one of the proving grounds for this intereactive technology

Makes sense to add them to yard signs as a way of directing buyers to more details about that home, or a page of current listings. Certainly shows you’re tech savvy. But beyond that, are they working? Any quantifiable results, any new clients because of your use of QR codes?

I understand their appeal when showing sellers how you’re got all the tools to promote their home, is there more to it than that. let me know, and I‘ll report back what I hear later.

Gifting: Maybe an apple...

We’re approaching that season when, if you’ve put off investing in new technology, you’re likely to gift yourself or someone you love with that bit of wizardry you’ve been eyeing all year. And if you haven’t already invested in a tablet PC, one probably tops your list.

Earlier this year, it looked like there would be an abundance of choices with all the Android tablets coming to market. While there have been many admirable options there, none have really dented the iPads appeal.

That’s as much about the hardware as software. The IPad 2 is a great product, backed by the software catalog Android devices have not yet begun to rival, for real estate or otherwise. Adding significant momentum there is the simple fact that many apps developed for the ever-growing universe of iPhone users also run on the iPad.

At this point, the most promising challenger to the iPad’s dominance the rumored Amazon tablet, expected to launch sometime within the next two months. Early speculation suggests it may offer the combination of package and price which make it a winner.

But software is what makes the hardware, and it’s likely to be a while before the combination of general and real estate specific apps are available to make whatever Amazon brings to market the practical solution for your needs in a mobile computing platform. By then, if and when sometime next year, WIndows 8, with its promised tablet support, will give you even more options.

Short-term, the iPad’s appeal as a practical solution with the most software support, real estate and otherwise, seems secure.

The Next Breakthrough In Digital Photography?

If you’re serious about  photographs for your virtual tours, and have been thinking about a Digital-SLR as your next camera. you may want to hold off a while and see what the future holds.

Last week's New York Times ran a story about a Californna start-up with what could be the next real breakthrough in digital photography. As tthe headline reads, Lytros’ technology will users shoot now and worry about inncidentals like focus and depth of field later.  

That’s right: its technology allows serious amateurs, or anyone for that matter, to point, shoot and achieve all the same effects now possible only by experimenting with lens and aperature when the shutter clicks. It will mean more options for photographers, more effective pictures of everything, including homes, and put the advantages of an SLR in point and shoot cameras.

The cost if this new type of camera, or required software, if any, has not yet been announced; only that it will be targeted at consumers

The effect, and breaktrhouygh it represents is much easier seen than described. You can explore the possibilities at this interactive gallery on  Lytro’s website.

 Just click anywhere in a picture and see for yourself. It might be worth waiting a bit longer before investing in that digital SLR.