QR Code Scanner Now Built In To Chrome App

This week the folks at Google have updated the iOS (and soon the Android) version of the Chrome web browser. This update uses the camera of the device it's running on to locate and scan QR codes as well as bar codes. This update essentially does away with the need for that additional QR and barcode scanner app that's been sitting unused or barely used in our app drawers for years.

This update makes a whole lot of sense for the QR code universe. As every QR code essentially requires a web browser connection to function, Chrome developers decided to bake it right in with their browser by default. As such, when a QR code with a web URL inside it is scanned, Chrome gets there quick.

The update for Apple devices is live right now. The standard Chrome web browser has the new "Scan QR Code" functionality, available for newer iPhones and iPads with a hard press on the app. This hard press brings a menu which includes New Tab, New Incognito Tab, Voice Search, Scan QR Code, and Share Chrome.

The iTunes App Store listing for this update makes mention of the Scan QR Code update. "Scan a QR code or barcode by using 3D Touch on the app logo or searching for "QR" in Spotlight." Make use of it before Android gets its chance!

For Android, we expect the update to be here soon. For phones that run the newest version of Android, the ability to peek or pop one's way to this new menu will be built in, allowing the Scan QR Code section to appear instantly. When this update is ready, it'll appear in Google Play in the app store. Of note: None of the other Chrome builds – Dev, Beta, or Canary, have this update either. Hold on to your shorts just a bit longer!