Bitcoin Datacodes - QR vs Data Matrix

[asche]

Hello,

The genesis of this question was a discussion with yogg regarding the QR Code he uses on his Coldkey cards (check it out, they are really cool ).


That being said, I had to choose some graphic identification codes at work to identify tools.

I took into consideration number of 2D codes including QR and Data Matrix.

Both of these are defined by a standard ISO norm, and on the technical side the Data Matrix offers interesting features the QR does not.

• Both codes can store a LOT of data
• Both codes are easily readable by any kind of scanners
• Data Matrix offers redundancy up to 30% - and so does QR but apparently it's generally not used
• Data Matrix appears to be more performant for Alpha Numerical content
• Data Matrix is generally smaller for the same definition/content. Meaning you can print bigger and more easily readable

That being said the Data Matrix seems superior in every single way.

Also I read

Choose Datamatrix when…

Print areas are tight and the encoded message is short enough to fit into the lowest Datamatrix versions (10×10 to 20×20 modules).
Using a Datamatrix code is mandated or is a compliance requirement.
Reliability is imperative.

I then searched for Data Matrix application in the bitcoin industry, and I was shocked to find out it is close to none.

Can anyone provide some insight on this?
Is this because most smartphone software don't support Data Matrix reading? If yes, why? Doesn't seem so difficult to implement...

Edit: adding this

Readers for Data Matrix
Many readers that support QR codes support also Data Matrix.

Here is a list of these readers.
i-nigma
NeoReader
ScanLife
MobileTag
BeeTagg
QuickMark
Lynkee
Google
iSite TV
UpCode

I'm happy to read your thoughts folks.

[asche]

Also, QR code is more "cool" because you can embed logo/icon while AFAIK it's not possible on Data Matrix.

That's actually false.

You can embed a logo in a Datamatrix, and actually even a bigger one than in a QR Code because it has higher Error Correction/Redundancy.

[khaled0111]

QRCodes are easier to recognize because of their unique pattern.

You can store different types of data in QR codes like binary, numarical and alphanumeric data.

Up to 4296 alphanumeric characters can be stored in QR Codes while only up to 2335 in Data Matrix Codes.

Data Matrix Codes are, generally, used there is not enough espace where to print it and when more security is needed which is not a real concern in our daily use of 2d barcodes where they are generated and exchanged via smartphones apps.