Google has just  designed a new search feature that will create a link between the virtual world and the real one in which we live! Perhaps the start of "The Matrix", who knows. But how are they creating this revolutionary link - barcodes of course!

They have sent out hundreds of thousands of special barcodes to various shop owners to display in their shop windows. Patrons and shoppers can scan these barcodes with their internet enabled phones and find out more about their favourite stores. Google is actually calling the new feature "Favourite Places on Google"  and marking  a  business as a favourite is just one of the things you can do after scanning the barcode in the local shop window. Think of the possibilities for a moment...

After scanning you could read reviews and find out what others say about the store and its level of customer service allowing you to avoid the bad clam chowder before it bites back - if you know what I am saying..

Fire-Safe Cigarettes have just hit the market in South Carolina! A new law, governing the way that cigarettes must function in order to eliminate the risk of fires when smokers leave their cigarettes unattended, went into effect 1 Jan 2010 (thats the first time I have written 2010 in 2010 - cool). Just before you ask what all this has to do with barcodes, its the barcode that will let you know if your smokes are fire-safe or not - it goes without saying that they would give this massive responsibility to the amazing barcode!

Mobile Barcodes! In the very near future (like yesterday) shops, restaurants and theatres will text or email you vouchers and special offers in the form of barcodes. Your barcode will be scanned on arrival (even directly from your phone) and you will receive your benefit without mistake or delay. That's what barcodes do - they  do things instantly and without error because they are amazing.