Microsoft Tag - Snap. Blink. Wow!

imageSometimes there's just a really cool idea worth mentioning. I hope this Mobile Tagging concept takes off because with server redirects from the info stored in the high capacity colour barcode tag, the possibilities seem endless and loose associative coupling between tag and function means the target scenarios can be really flexible.

"Microsoft Tag creates unlimited possibilities for making interactive communications an instant, entertaining part of life. They transform physical media (print advertising, billboards,product packages, information signs, in-store merchandising, or even video images)—into live links for accessing information and entertainment online.

"With the Microsoft Tag application, just aim your camera phone at a Tag and instantly access mobile content, videos, music, contact information, maps, social networks, promotions, and more. Nothing to type, no browsers to launch!"

Go to https://www.microsoft.com/tag/ for general info, https://tag.microsoft.com to make tags (you'll need to sign in using your Live ID), and https://gettag.mobi to download the tag scanning/snapping app for your mobile phone (Apple iPhone; Blackberry 81xx, 83xx and Bold; J2ME based handsets; Symbian S60 3rd Edition ; Windows Mobile 5 and 6).

This is my tag below and I can use the management tool to set up the associated tag action. In this case I've linked the first to my Blog and the second to my vCard, but you're also able to link to free text or a dialler. To get them to do their stuff just click to see a larger image, then Snap. Blink. Wow! :-)

image image

This is the management console where, as of now, I have just two tags. Notice how you can get a report of how many times your tags would have been scanned.

image

This could be big for business to consumer scenarios!

Update: Long Zheng has written a couple of neat technical post on this technology. Check them out - [1] [2].