All cards also display the shorten url that leads to the same url as the QR code. The idea behind the QR code and shorten url is to make sure user don't have to search for your app in the store. We take them directly to the right place.
In custom mode you can always decide to put any text you want it you would rather see the name of the app for example.
I can't agree -- among a younger demographic in coastal regions (speaking in terms of the US here), sure, maybe. You need to know what a QR code is, you need to know what app can read them, you have to download that app, and if you're not the type of person that these things come naturally too, you have to learn how to use that app.
That process just isn't biddable for wider demographics. Outside of my tech-savvy group of friends and co-workers, I'm not sure I know anyone with either the understanding or the patience to use them. Until it's far more common for this to be a built-in and automatic feature in mobile devices, I'd be blown away if it ever caught on.
I'm tech savvy and I still don't want to download an app, open it up, steady my camera, take a picture, wait for it to think about it, and take me to the website. Just give me a damn URL.
Google's Search App will scan QR codes, the thinking is near-instant (camera focusing will take longer), and it pops up directly to the App store. I think the burden is pretty low. Typing in a URL is certainly more effort.
In custom mode you can always decide to put any text you want it you would rather see the name of the app for example.