Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Camera phone and other cell phone bar code technology

Some very interesting stuff in two-dimensional camera phone barcodes out there on the Internet.

Was reading the NY Times Articles on Mobile Phone Barcodes and it referenced a couple of technologies like Semacode, QR Code and Qode, and barcode technology maker Nextcode.

Here is an introduction to Two-Dimensional Camera Phone Barcodes that explained the technology to me.

There are plenty of big players in the game trying to push camera phone and other cell phone bar code technologies in the is country such as Microsoft Launches Windows Live Barcode Beta.

What is Windows Live Barcode?

Windows Live Barcode is a set of services that transfer information between various media (PCs, billboards, magazines etc.) and handsets via Quick Response Code (QR Code), a two-dimensional barcode. It provides a new method for people to exchange information and enjoy various online services on handsets. Windows Live Barcode aims to enhance handset utility and provide you with more convenience and flexibility.

The technology is big in Japan and is used in many daily activities. Here is a definition of QR code:

What is a QR Code for Mobile Devices? - A QR Code is a two-dimensional bar code introduced by the Japanese company Denso-Wave in 1994. QR stands for “Quick Response”. QR Codes are most common in Japan, and are the most popular type of two-dimensional code in Japan.

These two-dimensional images are truly the missing link in taking your social media campaign off line or bringing your off line campaign online.

2 comments:

Swampthing said...

Windows live barcode is no longer live.

It ended a few months back. IMO, there were other players with a better developed platform and theirs did not require a lens adaptor to read 1D barcodes.

Hint: Neomedia's Neoreader

It also lets the user click on RFID, logos, trademarks, keywords, slogans, EAN, UPC, Aztec, 2D symbologies, QR, data matrix, direct and indirect codes.

HMM, what if I wanted to say (my word of search into the mobile device) as I walk down the street.

Why did Microsoft aquire TellMe?

Kin Lane said...

Thanks for the info on Windows Live Bar...should have looked a little deeper on that one.

Was impressed with some of the other players and forgot about Microsoft real quick.

I could see voice integration being key as well. It would be nice to scan a flyer or billboard....then verbally tag it.

Not sure where Microsoft is headed with Tellme? Hard to tell where they are going these days....all over the place!

Thanks for the info on Neomedias Neoreader...will research more...