Google’s latest Code Scanner API in GMS can auto-zoom and read QR codes from a distance using machine learning. It lets developers embed the feature into apps.

TECH How to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone (no apps needed) QR codes are those pixelated squares you see in restaurants, advertisements, stores, food packaging, business cards ...

It's expected to work in both Google's own QR Code Scanner and in other apps. Because this is an API-level upgrade, app developers won't have to grant any new camera permissions for the tool to work.