QR codes latest cool feature, but it's certainly more secure to scan someone's individual Venmo-approved code than take your best guess about which username corresponds to whomever you're trying to pay. There's even a feature that lets you export your personal code to other messaging services, email or as an image to pass around later.

The payment app isn't the only online service to try applying this older tech to IRL interactions, either. Back in May, TechCrunch discovered that Facebook was experimenting with a rewards program within its mobile app that gave discounts when scanning objects in select stores. And not just tech luminaries, either. In March, retail colossus Walmart started rolling out a feature for its mobile app that formatted prescriptions and money orders into QR codes, which could be quickly scanned and paid for at store counters.