In the ongoing developments of mobile bar code readers, Google recently launched a QR code generator for any Web site, based on its link shortener tool Goo.gl.

Link shortening incumbent bit.ly has now responded to Google’s entrance to its space by firing back with the same QR code generating feature.

This is ultimately good for users and the mobile sub-sector that is bar code scanning. Google’s gravitas combined with bit.ly’s larger base of link shortening activity should push awareness for generating (and distributing) QR codes for any Web site.

That should in turn familiarize more people about QR codes, and how to use them to navigate quickly to a Web site, online map, product detail page or local promotion. There are lots of directions this can and will go.

Side note: see bit.ly’s jab at Google where QR codes generated include a graphic of its logo literally eating Google’s signature colored balls as fish food.