Things just keep on getting more interesting, as Microsoft has just announced the launch of its first-ever app for the Android platform. Yes, that’s Google’s Android platform. Dubbed Tag, it’s similar to the Microsoft’s iPhone app of the same name, and lets you use your handset as a mobile barcode reader.
Tag is available starting today as a free download from the Android Market (I’d be giving it a go, if it were not for some connection problems on the phone). To use the app, you’re supposed to focus your smartphone’s camera at a tag (a smaller version of the QRCode), take a picture, and the Tag program will then proceed to interpret it. First thought? We already have a fairly competent barcode scanner app for Android.
This is remarkable to note for the reason that Android is Microsoft’s direct contender in the mobile operating system arena. However, seeing as Microsoft has established Tag with the BlackBerry, Symbian, J2ME (Java), and even iPhone platforms, they apparently have no qualms on leveraging other competing platforms to get their technology across.
[via Techcrunch]
Microsoft stay in your own country!
It was built to read their own specialty barcode. They're trying hard to push their own barcode type (there's actually money in licensing barcode technology to shippers like UPS and USPS, etc) -- and one way to do that is to say you have readers available on all well known mobile OS's.
Just ignore it...since QR Codes are here to stay.
Just ignore it...since QR Codes are here to stay.
And you're right! QR codes are easier, better, widely used, and here to STAY!
Get away from my Android Microsoft! You CAN'T have it! LOL