I am the director of RI Labs, a new initiative at Ricoh Innovations, where we take technology that has been locked up in R&D and make it publicly available for public feedback.

Our first project is iCandy , (beta) is a free application that makes it easy to access and share your digital world offline. Through the power of QR codes, iCandy connects iTunes or websites to printed iCandy links that you can share in person. Use a webcam to scan your iCandy link and your computer launches the song or website instantly..

iCandy helps you:

* Put digital music and the web in your hands for in-person sharing (parties, family get-togethers, conferences)

* Skip the hassle of typing in a website—just scan in the iCandy link and you’re there

* Simply navigate your iTunes library—great for little kids!

* Connect with friends and customers through a memorable, easy-to-use medium—ever accessed a website by scanning a coffee cup before?

* Make it easier for clients to access your company website—just scan in the iCandy link on your business card

* And lots, lots more!

iCandy is part of a larger research effort from Ricoh Innovations and the maiden project of RI Labs. We're interested in recruiting QR Code enthusiasts, DIY'ers, small business, musicians and creatives to help us research the possibilities and applications of paper-digital interfaces like iCandy and the whole world of QR Codes.

Come join us in this effort at http://icandy.richonnovations.com