D-I-Y at Timpson's

I have that probkem but just carry a monocle.

There are also many with impaired vision who would find a QR code useful instead of having to type a URL. I know many who rely on their Smartphones to navigate the world. It has speech recognition so they don't have to type.

Not really. You can get a re-furbished phone that works well for under £200, probably yes.

I expect your old iPhone will read QR codes and navigate you to the nearest Timpson's without downloading any apps...

Dave

I have no particular interest in going to any Timpson's. And I know where the nearest one is, anyway.

I've tried this on 2 ancient Android phones and a 2019 vintage Wileyfox with Linageos (Android *) can read QRcodes and barcodes using the standard camera app.

A Motorola Moto G6 Play (2020 vintage Android 9) the standard camera app reads QR codes.

A current(ish) Motorola Motog53 Android 14 (updated yesterday with some OTA stuff, probably AI s**te) again, the standard camera app reads QR codes. And it reads them really fast compared to the other 2.

But if you have a J330 and are still using it, then run, don't walk, to the BBC and get it on Antiques Roadshow. In fact it was probably a valuable antique when Arthur Negus was presenting Going For a Song and he's been dead for 40 years :-)

I've tried this on 2 ancient Android phones and a 2019 vintage Wileyfox with Linageos (Android *) can read QRcodes and barcodes using the standard camera app.

A Motorola Moto G6 Play (2020 vintage Android 9) the standard camera app reads QR codes.

A current(ish) Motorola Motog53 Android 14 (updated yesterday with some OTA stuff, probably AI s**te) again, the standard camera app reads QR codes. And it reads them really fast compared to the other 2.

But if you have a J330 and are still using it, then run, don't walk, to the BBC and get it on Antiques Roadshow. In fact it was probably a valuable antique when Arthur Negus was presenting Going For a Song and he's been dead for 40 years :-)

I'll be f***ed if I fork out for another f****ng smart phone

I think you are missing the point. A curmudgeonly grumble must have a greatly inflated number attached to it.

I can't ride one. I keep falling off.

My phone cost less than that NEW.

And I looked. They simply don't make a phone as small and handy as mine now.

I thought that it simply had to be something you say you would never need and never use and so couldn't actually know anything about it and it wouldn't affect you in any way whatsoever..

.. you live an learn...

Dave

On the occasions that I have been to visit a branch of Timpson's, I have always been satisfied with the service. In this case, it would have been more helpful, to more people, if they had presented a list of nearby branches instead of a QR Code. There is only one branch in town that is manned, unless you drive for nearly 20 miles, so the list would not have been too big.

There are apps for that ... hundreds of them ...

I used to use ZXing, but now just use Google Lens.

It would, but that would require a visit to update when branches open/close. With a QR Code can you satisfy 90% of your customers, with a list that can be updated automatically. Why would you create work for something that will deliver little reward. If you are really why don't you e-mail the Chief Exec, he is apparently very customer focused..

What folks miss when they dismiss Smart Phone is the integration across tools that they offer. Use it to find some service, it will tell you if its open, you can call them with one click to check they do what you want or use a navigation app to get there be it by car, cycle, public transport or even walking.

The voice search is passable so its pretty accessible even to most people with handicaps. You can set it up so it will launch the search on a single button press....

... you may not like them, but I feel that those who don't wish to use a smart phone are going to find themselves unable to access many services or at least paying more..

Dave

A good idea. I will do so. I usually have a fair record of success by complaining in a serious and calm manner, hopefully he will engage if I do the same.

"Smart phones of themselves do not read QR codes" (TNP)

I've got an old Alcatel smart phone, bought in 2017 (that I don't use any more) that won't. Even with a barcode and QR code reader it won't if the QR is small, as it doesn't have autofocus.

" Many thanks for your email. Please be advised James Timpson no longer works for the Company, following his recent Ministerial appointment. He is no longer contactable via this account, however, for business continuity we are monitoring emails and those of a business nature will be shared with the most appropriate person in the Group for reply."

I will report any further action.

Is being a Luddite a disability?

I would personally prefer a free facility for 94% of the market than

The world marches on. Feel free to fall behind and become a bitter person.

I can be accused of being a Luddite in the past, and certainly not the first to get a mod-con. I recently bought a nice S/H Xiaomi phone for £50 and put LineageOS on it.

I suggest you update your mobile PDQ.