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How to scan QR codes with your HTC EVO

Evo-qr-code (1)Have you ever seen black-and-white boxes that look similar to the one at right in the sidebars of websites, on Android project pages, and even on posters around town? If you don't know that they're QR (short for Quick Response) codes, then you may have tried clicking on the ones online to see what kind of pixelated artwork ring they come from or figure out why people are posting them.

QR codes are actually 2D barcodes that can launch websites, display text, send an SMS message, take you to a particular app in Android Market, provide product details, save contact information, and show other information when scanned. And guess which phone you can use to scan them.

Yes, like all Android phones, the HTC EVO 4G can be used to scan QR codes wherever you find them.

Here's how to do it:

Evo-qr-code (1) 

1. Go to Android Market on your EVO and search for "barcode scanner" or "barcode reader." You can choose any app that appears in the results, but I personally like and use ZXing Team's appropriately named Barcode Scanner.

Evo-qr-code (2)

2. When you run into a QR code, launch Barcode Scanner (or whatever scanner/reader you chose to install).

Evo-qr-code (5) 

3. Point your EVO's back camera at the code and make sure it's inside the app's viewfinder. Hold your EVO as still as possible while the app tries to read the code. Sometimes it takes a few seconds and you'll see the image going in and out of focus.

Evo-qr-code (4) 

4. When the QR code is read, you'll hear a beep (depending on which scanner/reader you're using) and then see a screen similar to the one above. The app will show you what it found in the code and give you options so you can decide what you want to do. In this case, the QR code at the beginning of this tutorial contains the URL to this site, so you can either open the URL in your browser or share it via email or SMS.

Now that you know how to use your HTC EVO to scan QR codes, put your new skill to the test:

Evo-qr-code (2) 

Happy scanning!

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Jenn K. Lee

Jenn K. Lee is the founder of Pocketables. She loves gadgets the way most women love shoes and purses. The pieces in her tech wardrobe that go with everything are currently the Samsung Galaxy Note II, Sony Tablet P, and Nexus 7, but there are still a couple of vintage UMPCs/MIDs in the back of her closet.

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