Microsoft Really Really Really Wants You to Use Their Tags. Really.

And they're partnering up all over the place to help you do just that.

What you really need is a (proprietary Microsoft) tag that's reliant on (proprietary Microsoft) servers to deliver you content (that's been logged by Microsoft but they probably most likely won't use for anything like intrusive marketing right because why?). And hey, pretty colors!

Never mind QR codes- you know, the free open-source barcode that's already in global use. Who needs open source? Piffle.

QRdvark 1.0 now available in Android Market

Download and install QRdvark from the Android Market.

QRdvark is a free QR scanning app. It scans QR symbols and reacts appropriately. QRdvark recognizes all common QR formats including URLs, contacts, SMS, email, and location, as well as standard barcode formats and GS1 identification keys.

"See it. Scan it. See what happens."

Google and the QR Barcode

Because we are Google's BFF (and huge G1 phone nerds) we love to see the big G dabble in the barcode arts.

Offering a new sort of checkout to Google merchants/Android users, a QR barcode is generated live at online ordering, the buyer scans with their Android phone and completes the payment that way.

A little convoluted for my taste (okay, a lot convoluted for my taste), and really nowhere near utilyzing the practically-magick potential of the QR, but everyone's got to start somewhere.