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by donohoe 5352 days ago
It would be faster and easier for a Short URL in place of a QR code in most cases.

For example - at the bus stop with a QR code I would have:

- locate an app I rarely use in the Menu

- open app

- depending on app, hit button to go to camera

- snap photo

- processing time

- opens web browser... (sometimes I'd get a confirmation page prior to the action)

With a Short URL:

- open browser thats prominently placed on my phone

- tap in Short URL (bit.ly/xYz123XyZ)

Manually typing a Short URL is a very low pain point in comparison to QR codes these days.

3 comments

I always feel it's kind of a pain to type in a smartphone, especially URLs where autocorrect can't work.

m.tcl.fr/123 wouldn't take so long I guess, but to me it feels more annoying than opening the app (which is on my second screen) and clicking on the "scan" button.

Or even text messaging. Text "M15 AT 53" to "311411" and you find out when the next bus is going to be at your stop. That'd work.
Melbourne uses a four digit number for tram stops (for use via text, automated voice, web and apps) and it works quite well. http://tramtracker.yarratrams.com.au/phone/
facebook.com/myawesomecompany is probably the best and easiest