I’ve been reading lately that QR codes may not make it through the next few years. (I don’t know about barcodes but I suspect they have a longer life cycle expectancy.)
Apparently the mobile marketplace is pushing for tags. So here’s a little link and an explanation. Just a heads up to follow this new technology.
“In case you weren’t aware of the differences between Tag and a QR Code, here they are according to the Microsoft Tag site:
Microsoft Tag is a mobile 2D barcode that lets you seamlessly connect your offline materials to the digital world. Engage your customers in the moment using their mobile phones.
Tag vs. QR: Unlike QR, Tag is an end to end barcoding solution that creates customizable codes, uses a single Reader for a consistent end customer experience and delivers robust reporting.
Report & Measure: Tag has built-in metrics allowing you to measure the effectiveness of your offline materials. View where and when your Tags are being scanned – for free.
Agile: Tag’s dynamic technology lets businesses change campaigns at any time, enabling companies to react and evolve in real-time and deliver the most powerful outcomes.
Read more via Douglas Karr: http://www.marketingtechblog.com/technology/mobile-marketing-infographic/#ixzz1R3UnaFjA
If these are easier to use than QR codes, then maybe it’s a god thing.
Stephen
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for libraries, either is okay. but QR codes offer more privacy since they can be as dumb as you want and won’t collect any stats if you don’t want them to. Tag will collect what, where, and repeated scans by the same phone and who knows what else if the phone has all location settings open.
You can generate QR codes anonymously and use them anonymously, and they’re much easier to tattoo onto a baby’s butt if you name him Cody.
Hmmm. QR is open source : Microsoft Tag is proprietary. With a guarantee of being supported only until 2015. Is “the mobile marketplace” really pushing for Microsoft tags, or is Microsoft pushing them?
In my opinion whatever is simplest and gets built into the mobile device operating systems will win, rather than religious divides between open and proprietary.
SA
QR is not open source. It is patented technology from Denso Wave. They just have chosen to permit its use for free.