January 8, 2009 2:31 PM PST

Microsoft Tag for SmartPhone and iPhone

by Joseph Kaminski

QR Code, Datamatrix code, Microsoft tag

(Credit: Started Something)

According to Microsoft, Tags create unlimited possibilities for making interactive communications an instant, entertaining part of life. They transform physical media (print advertising, billboards, product packages, information signs, in-store merchandising, or even video images)--into live links for accessing information and entertainment online.

This is all possible after installing some software and using your smartphone's camera, which in turn allows you to interact with these 2-D multicolored triangles in forming a square-like bar code (HCCB format). But unlike traditional tag readers, MS tags don't store the information, but a unique ID that it sends to Microsoft's servers. This allows much more information for both sides. The user can receive current information and the vendor/publisher can get a tally of how many times it has been scanned. You can even create a tag.

The software is free and available for download via your mobile smartphone browser @ http://gettag.mobi/ . We've come a long way from the old-fashioned black and white bar code.

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Best of CES 2009 and
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Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

Now accepting submissions for the 2010 Best of CES Awards.

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CES 2009 Awards


Best of CES and
People's Voice Award

Since 2006, CNET has presented the Best of CES Awards, given to the top product in 10 categories as well as one coveted Best in Show award. See the gadgets that topped our list for this year, and find out the People's Voice winner, decided by more than 10,000 member votes.

Now accepting submissions for the 2010 Best of CES Awards.


About CES

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world's largest consumer electronics trade show. CES 2009 is scheduled for January 8 through 11 in Las Vegas, and it will feature thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest tech products. CNET's team of reporters and reviewers will be at the show, covering technology's heavy hitters and previewing thousands of products before they are released to the public.

Each year, CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association, produces the Best of CES awards at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The CNET editorial team recognizes the best new products at the show with awards in 10 categories, an overall Best of Show award, and the People's Voice award, which is selected by CNET's online audience.