Microsoft has recently announced support for its “Tag Reader” on the Google Android platform.
What is Microsoft Tag?
Microsoft Tag is a breakthrough technology that transforms everyday things in the real world into live links to online information and entertainment. From your mobile phone, simply snap or scan a Tag image anywhere you see it – in editorials, advertisements, product packaging, signs and storefronts – and gain instant access to Websites, videos, reviews, schedules, contact information, social networks, discounts, promotions and more! All you need to do is download the free Tag reader on your web enabled camera phone and when you see a Tag, snap or scan it to interact with the world around you in new ways!
How does Microsoft Tag work?
The Microsoft Tag Reader uses your mobile phone’s camera to capture a Tag. On some phones, you merely need to aim your camera at the Tag. On other phones, you’ll aim and then click. The Tag is decoded, and the action associated with the Tag, such as opening your phone’s browser and displaying a specific web page, takes place. Microsoft Tag requires an Internet connection to work, and normal data charges apply.
What type of phones will Tag work with?
The Microsoft Tag Reader is available for most smartphones and many feature phones. It is available on Windows Mobile, J2ME, iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian S60 and now Google Android phones. (Of course, your phone needs a camera and it must have Internet-access.)
How do I get started?
All you need to do is download the free Tag reader on your web enabled camera phone and when you see a Tag, snap or scan it to interact with the world around you in new ways! Download it now: http://www.microsoft.com/tag/content/download/
Will the Tag beta be available outside of the U.S?
The Microsoft Tag Beta is intended for use in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. We are working on providing official support in additional countries.
What can I do with Microsoft Tag?
From your mobile phone, simply snap or scan a Tag image anywhere you see it – in editorials, advertisements, product packaging, signs and storefronts – and gain instant access to Websites, videos, reviews, schedules, contact information, social networks, discounts, promotions and more! And all of the Tags you snap are remembered so you can access them later, or share them with friends.
Can I create my own Tags?
You can easily create a Tag that links to your online profile, contact info, blog, website, photo album or video. Add a Tag to your business card, and other people can download your contact information. Attach a Tag to an item and if you lose it, whoever finds it can scan the Tag to find out how to return it. Read more: http://tag.microsoft.com/
What does it cost to use?
Microsoft Tag is FREE. It is free and easy to get the application for your phone, free to scan tags, free to create and use them. Microsoft Tag uses the Internet connection and the other services on your phone and your normal carrier usage fees will apply.
Fig 1.0 – A Microsoft “2D” Tag
Microsoft Tag in action
In this short demo video with Aaron Getz, Microsoft Tag product unit manager, you can see several uses of the technology: (on this demo a windows mobile phone is being used.)
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In this next video CNET’s Ina Fried has a look at the technology:
Kind Regards
Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP
Camera phones are in great demand these days, I own at least two of them.
well, camera phones always come in handy whenever there are important events and parties…