Editorial | Microsoft Tag connects real world to the digital one

There’s some new technology from Microsoft that can connect content in newspapers, like the Redmond Reporter, to more online content on your mobile phone using a bar code. The technology is called Microsoft Tag, which is a new kind of barcode that connects almost anything in the physical information world to more information, photos, entertainment, and interactive experiences on your mobile phone.

March 21, 2011 11:59 am

There’s some new technology from Microsoft that can connect content in newspapers, like the Redmond Reporter, to more online content on your mobile phone using a bar code.

The technology is called Microsoft Tag, which is a new kind of barcode that connects almost anything in the physical information world to more information, photos, entertainment, and interactive experiences on your mobile phone.

Each tag unlocks different content. For example, scan the tag in the Redmond Reporter with your smartphone and you can get access to more photos for that particular story at our website at www.redmond-reporter.com. Other tags in editorial and advertising may link to videos, websites, or contests. The Redmond Reporter and our advertisers will have tags periodically in this and future editions – a forward-thinking way to offer richer content to readers. Check out the tag in The Bear Creek School advertisement on page 5 and another about tips for disaster preparedness on page 21.

To start scanning tags, simply download the free Tag Reader app at http://gettag.mobi to your mobile phone. Tag works on the iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Phone, Windows Mobile, and J2ME phones.

Once you have the tag reader on your smartphone, you can scan tags anytime, anywhere in the world and instantly unlock information, websites, videos, reviews, and more – there are no long URLs to type or SMS messages to send.

Tags are popping up everywhere, from magazine ads to movie posters to product packaging. More than two billion tags have been printed so far. Just like this newspaper, USA Today is using tag to connect readers with videos, online content, and contests, as are many other publications, from Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue to Allure’s Free Stuff Giveaway.

In fact, companies across the spectrum are recognizing the value of marketing to mobile consumers using Microsoft Tag.

Visit tag.microsoft.com to learn more about Microsoft Tag and discover other ways it’s being used by companies to connect with mobile customers just like you.