Information Technology in Use at Detroit Auto Show

My buddy Jeff and I drove up to the Detroit Auto Show this past Monday. While we were there to see all the new automobile technology (everyone had an electric / hybrid car of some sort), what caught my attention was the increased use of information technology, specifically that which makes use of mobile devices, although few manufacturers were using it. 

The first manufacturer we saw upon entering was Ford. We worked our way back to the new Mustang, which was on a rotisserie so you could see the undercarriage. It was there where I notice at the bottom of an information sheet the note "for more information online, text MUSTANG to KWIRY 59479)". 

So I did, although I was concerned that I would start getting junk text messages from Ford.  The text I received back suggested that I either reply to that message with my email address or go to a website. I knew I didn't want junk email, so I went to the web site. Which contained literally nothing. Still a good idea to get to supplemental materials, if it worked. 

(When I got home, I looked up Kwiry. Their marketing slogan is "see it? hear it? text it before you forget it!" Kwiry support many different inputs and outputs. I am still playing around with this service and will post about it soon. )

The other information technology which was in use at the auto show was QR codes. KIA was the only manufacturer to make use of it. Not only were the codes used on signage, but they included them on their printed materials. Unfortunately, there is still no QR Code reader for my Sprint Instinct. While QR Codes have become commonplace in Asia, support here in the states is extremely limited. This is too bad since I see a great deal of useful applications for them in libraries. Below is one that links to the URL of The Ohio State University Libraries web site. If I could only test it. 

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