To create a QR code, visit bit.ly, write or paste in a URL address, click "Shorten," and add .qr to the end of the generated bit.ly link (like so: http://bit.ly/9STstv.qr). Next, copy the modified bit.ly link into a new browser window to view the QR code, which you can then print out, send to your friends via e-mail, post on your blog, etc. I've included a QR code that links to my Mashable author page in the right-hand corner of this post.
To scan the code, you'll need an app like QR Scanner [iTunes link] for the iPhone and iPod touch, or ShopSavvy for Android devices.
The new QR code feature arrives just 12 days after Google released its public URL shortener goo.gl to the public, which includes the ability to instantly generate QR codes in the same fashion as bit.ly.
While the ability to create QR codes via URL shortening services isn't revolutionary in any sense, it's a fun feature that should increase interest and familiarity with QR codes, which continue to grow in popularity among marketers in the U.S.