You can finally delete that third-party QR code scanner you only use once in a blue moon off your iPhone. This is because Google has added a native QR code scanner to Chrome for iOS. We thought QR codes had had their day in the sun, but it looks like they're here to stay, sadly.
Google has added a built-in QR code scanner and barcode scanner to Chrome for iOS. The feature has arrived with Google Chrome Version 56.0.2924.79, which you can download from the App Store right now. There's no word yet whether this feature will be added to Chrome for Android, but we have to assume it's in the works.
Scan a QR Code Using 3D Touch
Once you have updated Chrome for iOS to the latest version, you can use Google's web browser to scan a QR code or barcode by "using 3D Touch on the app logo or searching for 'QR' in Spotlight". Scanning a QR code will open that link in Chrome, while scanning a barcode will display search results for that particular product. Which could actually prove to be rather useful.
The good news is that this means you can now uninstall that standalone QR code scanner you downloaded years ago and promptly forgot about. However, by adding a QR code scanner to Chrome, Google is likely to increase the popularity of QR codes. And that's probably not a good thing.
QR Codes Are a Risky Business
Why have we got such a downer on QR codes? Mainly because they pose a security risk every time you scan one. The problem is you have no idea where a QR code is going to lead you before you click on it. So you could be taken to a phishing page, or a webpage laden with malware.
Hackers have even been known to stick their dodgy QR codes over the top of legitimate QR codes on posters. So if you're randomly scanning QR codes with your phone you're opening yourself up to unnecessary risk. However, this doesn't seem to be affecting the renewed rise of QR codes.
QR Codes Are Here to Stay
Just this week, Snapchat added the option to create a snapcode for your website. And Snapchat is far from the only company going all-in on QR codes. So, whether you love them, hate them, or don't care either way, QR codes are here to stay. For better or worse.
Do you have a QR code scanner installed on your iPhone? Will you be deleting it in favor of using Google Chrome instead? Do you actually scan QR codes? Or do you think they're inherently dumb, dodgy, or dangerous? Please let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: Golan Levin via Flickr