Howcast Archive

If you are a regular reader of CN, you know I love the concept of QR codes. I think they have huge potential for print marketing and the ability to tie off-line and on-line promotions together like never before. If you are new to the idea of QR codes, check out our QR codes coverage and how the tags are being used in Japan.

Today the media department of the City of New York and NY-based how-to video site Howcast Media are partnering on a promotion to help push the concept of recycling to NY’ers. The promotion will bring QR codes to 2,200 New York City Department of Sanitation trucks. You can see a sample of the QR code on the side of the garbage truck below. So the next time one of the big rigs passes your building, hold your nose, grab your phone (I think the iPhone 4 should work fine for this usage) and scan that QR code.

After you scan the code, you will be taken to a page that features a video about recycling. In the coming weeks the page will be updated with the upcoming Howcast video. The NYC Media group notes that they have already successfully used QR codes in Times Square. Personally I can’t imagine people looking at their garbage trucks long enough to even notice the billboard and then wanting to get close enough to scan the code. But I like the concept and kudos to both groups for pushing the QR code concept.

Now if you want the killer city QR code concept – put the codes on every bus stop in the city. Scan the code with your mobile and receive an instant alert with the time the next bus will show up plus a schedule and map for that bus. The same could work for the subway although there currently is no cell service underground.

Howcast also recently relocated to a new, larger office that also houses a dedicated video studio.

Howcast has launched a smart iPhone application today. I call it smart because it allows you to watch Howcast’s how-to videos anywhere, anytime. So if you are trying to fix your car’s gasket, you can load up the video while you have the hood up. Or if you are at a bar and want to mack on someone you find attractive, load up the "10 tips on macking at a bar" video.

The iPhone application has full search capabilities plus the ability to send a video directly to a friend via email. Videos can be favorited for later viewing and you can also select to watch the most popular videos.

Oh and get this, if you shake your iPhone while the application is open, you get a random video. The app also works on the iPod Touch.