This is too cool. Well, I think so anyways. Microsoft has created this barcode technology that embeds digital information in a 2D image, like the one you see to the left. It’s a lot like QR Code, which is apparently widely used in places like Japan. The main difference: Triangles. QR Code barcodes are just black and white and look more like a pixelated mess. 

The cool thing is, you can now go to http://www.microsoft.com/tag/, create your own tag, and publish it for the world to see. Your next step is to use an app like Microsoft’s Tag Reader (iTunes Store link) on your iPhone, or other mobile device, to take a picture of the 2D image, and wait for the app to do its magic. If you were to take a picture of the above image, your phone would take you to my website, adamsawicki.com. Cool, eh?

The app also works on Blackberry, Android, PalmOS, and other devices. Get it here: http://gettag.mobi/

The app is free and so is the image creation tool. I doubt the creation tool will be free forever, so use it while you can. If you create a tag, post it on my Facebook wall, I will give you a Rock Band 2 t-shirt. Embed whatever you like in the image. 

I am definitely an Apple supporter, but when Microsoft brings something like this to the masses, I embrace the gigantic company with my skinny and boy-ish muscular arms. I think it’s a great move on their part to get this kind of technology into everyone’s hands. 

Love,

Adam Sawicki.