Always trouble with QR codes on Android? First, there were big scams with third-party apps and now Google apps of all things have serious gaps. We’ll explain to you what happened. For some time now, the Google camera has also been able to scan QR codes. But due to an “intelligent” function, it is possible that the QR codes are misinterpreted. That’s what German colleagues found out. However, there is already a solution for users. And Google is working on a new future for QR codes on Android.
Error not on all devices and not in all apps
In any case, it was noticed that the QR function provided by Google Lens can cause errors within the Google camera. When it comes to domains, there is sometimes a point too many, as you could see at Heise. Or entire parts of the URL are falsified. Curiously, this error does not happen if you use Google Lens directly as an app and not the Google camera.
Lens’ smart suggestions within the camera app aren’t that smart after all. In order to be able to forestall scammers, an app update from Google is now needed very quickly.
Google is working on a better future for QR scan with Android devices
Of course, Google needs to fix this bug. But they are already working on a new future for the QR scan with Android. A QR code scan is to be offered directly as a system function. Optionally even directly from the lock screen, as became known a few days ago. Maybe Android 13 onwards.
It would be nice if it was finally no longer necessary to download separate apps for QR codes. Unfortunately, in the past, this often poses a risk, because the demand for such apps could be exploited by fraudsters.