In a nutshell

Pass codes around without nosey parkers knowing what they mean – your phone will even know how to treat the contents, whether it’s a web link, phone number or shopping list!

Is it free?

As the summer breeze

Sold! How do I do it?

Step 1: Point your PC or Mac’s web browser here. Type in a web address, phone number or just some text, and it’ll create a graphical code, known as a Datamatrix code. You can right click on it and save the image to your computer, then e-mail it to friends, print it out, get it plastered on your business card or inked onto a T-shirt – anywhere you want people to see it!

Step 2: You, or your friends, can interpret the code by installing Nokia’s Barcode app on to your phone and using it to snap the image. The N95, N93, N93i and E90 come with it pre-installed in the Office folder, but you can grab a copy for other handsets here.

Step 3: When using the Barcode reader, hold your cameraphone level with the printed code, and adjust the distance until it fits on the screen. Wait a few seconds until your camera has focused, and it’ll grab the code, crack it open, and show you its contents. If it’s a web link or phone number, your Nokia will even know how to access or dial it.