Microsoft Introduces “Tag” to Streamline Content from Paper to Digital Publications

Posted 02/03/2010 at 3:12pm | by Bart Salisbury

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Consumers and producers undergo a constant, ritualistic dance when it comes to information. Consumers want more, but are often too lazy to get it. Producers want to provide it, but its tough to do when consumers won’t follow through. Rather than fight the consumer producers are looking for ways to tap into their lazy. And Microsoft has an idea for how they can do just that.

It’s called Tag, and it’s little more than a fancy bar code. Actually, a really, really fancy bar code, because it incorporates both color and design. Using a mobile phone that’s been loaded with Microsoft’s Tag reader, consumers only need focus on the bar code until it’s recognized, and a wealth of information will be headed their way. Microsoft says Tags can be used on advertisements, product packaging, signs, storefronts, or in print publications. They can used to “gain instant access to websites, videos, reviews, schedules, contact information, social networks, discounts, and promotions.” You’d have to be a pretty lazy consumer to pass up an opportunity like this.

Microsoft says its Tag reader will work on most current smartphones or advanced features phones, including Windows Mobile (5.5 and higher), Blackberry, Symbian, J2ME, and iPhone.

Image Credit: Microsoft