Microsoft tag! The next era of advertising?

I came across something called Microsoft Tag for the first time when I was checking out free applications to download for my Windows Mobile phone from Microsoft's website. Microsoft tag was vaguely described as a barcode reader. So, I just downloaded it, and tried to read some barcodes with it, which it refused to. Then I went to internet to find what is Microsoft Tag.



Technically, Microsoft tag, is a multicolor barcode technology developed by Microsoft, which uses colored triangles to store information in the form of an unique ID. So, if you are thinking what is use of this unique ID, the answer is that the mobile phone application that scans and decodes the tag, will send this ID to the Microsoft server, from where it can get more information about the ID. Like websites, phone numbers, e-mail IDs etc.
But what makes it different from the conventional barcodes is that a cameraphone can read Tags from different distances. From wall posters, hoarding, computer screens, wrappers, anywhere. The publisher would get the statistics of who the person who has read his tag. So it is like a new way of advertising. If your mobile phone can get the position information along with the tag, the publisher can give you local results based on your location. So, you get the information you want, the publisher can target the customers in a better manner.


The great thing about Microsoft tag is that it is free (at least till date) and anyone can get a tag for himself and configure to his website or blog. I have already got a t-shirt printed with a tag which directs to this post. Fun eh?
The catch is that technology is still in Beta, so maybe once it is out of beta, it may not be free anymore.
Let us see how Google responds to this?


Get your tag here.
Microsoft Tag home.

-codevalley

Microsoft annoyed with Linux

Microsoft lawyer Brad Smith, in an interview with Fortune said that Open Source violates over 235 patents. It said the Linux kernel itself violates around 42 Microsoft patents, while its UI and other elements around 65. The Open Office also violates 45, and 83 more by other Open source softwares. The allegations come as a surprise as Microsoft had lately signed a deal with Novell to work on bridging software between Windows and SuSe Linux.
No clues were given on how Microsoft would proceed with these findings, as the Open Source community has grown strong enough to defend their fort, Microsoft has to play safely. The Open Invention Network has been piling intellectual property, some of which could be used to counter attact Microsoft. The Network includes major players like Sony, Philips, NEC, IBM and Red Hat. They could virtually choke out Microsoft.
The violations are not a new discovery for the Open Source world, this was well identified a few years back, the community has been working towards eliminating the "evils of patents" and has been urging the developers to pool in the rights to the Open Source community for free use. In fact they have been forcing the developers to do so. The new GNU Pubic license in making, also includes clauses which would make the pacts like the one between Microsoft and Novell, virtually impossible, says sources.
courtsey: news.com.com
codevalley

Revised Licensing policy for Vista

If you were to change your hardware configuration, you would be one among the many who wish, why doesnt Microsoft throw some sense into their Activation policy. The Windows XP registration policy does not allow any major handware changes, and if you do, you might have to buy a new license. Most of the people dont find it sane to pay twice for a single copy of software.
It seems Microsoft has realized this mistake and are making amends. The new policy would also eliminate the piracy issue, or that is what they think. In Vista, the product is activated by "calling home" or contacting Microsoft online and registering there.

"So, what's the big deal???" eh? Well, that's not all. You are allowed to cancel an activation and apply a new activation. Doesnt that mean sense?? Consider this, you are going to sell of your computer for good. And you plan to buy a new one. All you have to do is to simply cancel your old activation and apply a new. So for the time being it seems Microsoft is onto the right path to tackle the Activation policy criticisms.
The idea sounds good, but, we have to wait and see how they implement this to perfection. And here I am signing off, wishing all the luck to Microsoft for this idea.
codevalley