IntroductionMicrosoft Tag was introduced in January, 2009 by Microsoft and was intended to be used like QR codes. Microsoft Tag is a High Capacity Color Barcode. (HCCB) is the name coined by Microsoft for its technology of encoding data in a 2D barcode using clusters of colored triangles instead of the square modules as with 2D barcodes. As a result, Tag barcodes can be much smaller than QR codes, yet hold the same amount of information. How Microsoft Tags WorkMicrosoft Tags don’t store data in the code itself. They contain a unique ID, which the reader application sends to Microsoft’s servers. The servers then send back the linked requested information. This “indirect” method allows for more information and a wider variety of data to be embedded in a very small code. Also, for this reason, they can be tracked — Tag analytics make it easy to see how many people are interacting with your Tag, as well as the location of scans to see where your campaigns are making an impact. More about Microsoft Tags…
Create your own Microsoft TagCreate your own Tags, customize them, direct visitors to your Facebook or Twitter page, give them access to your blog, or share your contact information. You can even design your own Custom Tags with your own one-of-a-kind design. There is no end to the number of possibilities. Best of all, signing up is fast, easy and free. Create an account and sign in to the Tag Manager to start creating Tags.
Above, four variations of a Microsoft Tag pointing to http://www.i-i.com from left to right 1) the standard Microsoft Tag uses clusters of colored triangles rather than square pixels traditionally associated with 2D bar codes. 2) Microsoft Tags can be saved in the .WMF format, which results in the matrix being made up of colored circles, not triangles. 3) The circle pattern can be combined with graphic elements in Illustrator or Microsoft PowerPoint—here, I used PowerPoint. 4) The circles can be manipulated—to some degree—or replaced with other icons or small art, as long as the color doesn’t change too much. Here I designed ink drop / halftone dot like shapes because the code resolves to a printing company website. Learn more about creating custom tags…
3 Ways to Download the ReaderMicrosoft Tag is a proprietary code — the code itself can only be created using the Microsoft Tag Manager; other 2d code readers cannot be used to read the Microsoft Tag (it can only be read by the Microsoft Reader). There is three ways to download the reader: 1. Mobile Browser — to get the Tag Reader visit http://gettag.mobi on your mobile phone browser.2. SMS — visit “Try Tag Now” enter your phone number and Microsoft will send you a text with a download link.3. Mobile Marketplaces — Microsoft Tag is available in most mobile application stores; just search for ‘Tag Reader’. Guide Your Users2d codes in general are new to most people. Because of this, you should give them instructions on exactly what to do. Tell them what they will get when they scan the code and include some brief instructions on how to download the reader. For example: To learn more about Impressions Incorporated, scan the Microsoft tag below with your smartphone. Need the Tag reader? Go to http://gettag.mobi on your mobile phone browser.
Make Some Tags!This basic overview of Microsoft Tags should give you a good idea of what they are, what they are capable of and how to get started creating your own tags. For more information, visit the Microsoft Tag website.Chris Lehan is the Director of Product Development at Impressions Incorporated (a multi-color printer in St. Paul, MN specializing in the complete production of customized printing and paperboard packaging). http://www.i-i.com
Follow me on Twitter @chrislehan
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