Microsoft's second iPhone app; Interactive bar codes |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Microsoft's second iPhone app; Interactive bar codes
Microsoft has introduced its second iPhone application in the past month, a free service called Tag Reader that allows users to snap photos of interactive 2D bar codes and immediately be transported to more information. (Maps, videos, music, promotions, etc.) That means mobile phone users don't have to type in long URLs from a mobile browser.
One can imagine a number of real world uses of the technology. For example, a museum could place one of the interactive tags next to a painting. An iPhone user with Tag Reader installed could then take a photo of the bar code and be transported to a video of how the artist created the work.
The introduction of Tag Reader follows the debut of Seadragon Mobile, a photo zoom and browsing technology that was Microsoft's first iPhone application. At the time of the release of that app, TechFlash reported that the iPhone presented some interesting business issues for Microsoft since the popular device competes directly with its Windows Mobile operating system.
More information on Tag Reader on this informational site, which describes how publishers and other businesses can incorporate the mobile tags into billboards, print ads and other media.
"Make your offline media more effective, more measurable, more immersive, and more fun," the company writes. "Turn your advertisements, media, signage, packaging or storefronts into interactive experiences." The bar codes can be printed and then displayed on a number of surfaces.
Microsoft dubs the technology behind the product High Capacity Color Barcodes or HCCBs. Developed by Microsoft Research, the the bar codes -- which use geometric patterns and various colors -- can store twice as much information as traditional 2D bar codes, the company says.
Hat tip to Neowin.net, which notes how the technology is similar to QR Codes.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
