What's a Munzee?

I have written many times about one of our hobbies called geocaching.  We haven't been out for a long time, but when we do we really enjoy it.  It is very difficult to geocache in Wisconsin in the winter.  If it isn't the snow, then it's the cold.  It may be fun for young people but not for us.

http://www.thecabincountess.com/2013/03/geocaching-as-one-of-our-hobbies.html

This was one of the most popular blogs I have written about a geocache we found.   http://www.thecabincountess.com/2013/03/the-day-they-gave-babies-away.html
If you want to read more about different types of caching, just type geocaching in the search box.  It will bring you to a list of other geocache stories I have written.

I mention this because recently our son in law told us of another type of scavenger hunt game.  It is called Munzee.  Munzee uses a smartphone app.  The game is similar to geocaching but it uses QR code technology.  When you find the QR code, instead of logging into a logbook, you scan the code with your phone.  Players place a QR code at a location and others try to find them.  You can find the locations on the Munzee map included in the application.  Every time you find one and scan the code, you get points.  I think it is a fairly new game in our area.  It was created in Texas in 2011.  I noticed it is mostly being used by businesses at this point.  I imagine it is a great way to bring people to your business.  We have tried a few, but so far most of them are in the larger cities.  Just like geocaches, they also have virtual munzee's.  If you are within 300 feet of the landmark, it will record a find.  I will keep you posted on how we like it.  The app isn't quite as user friendly as I would like.

When you download the Munzee app (it's free) and sign up, the app will include the reader you will need for reading Munzee codes from your phones camera.  If you want to read the QR code below or other codes that appear in print or on products you buy, then you will have to download a QRreader app.  The readers are free.  Just go to your app store on your phone and download one. 

This is a QR code.  If you have a QR reader,   see what this is.