Microsoft 2d Code review – better than QR codes?

Microsoft has introduced their own 2d bar code called the “Microsoft Tag” (how original) which differentiates from most other types of 2d codes by being colour based and using a different shape pattern than what has been typically seen.  See article here at onedegree.ca for overview of 2d codes.

Microsoft makes it sound like they invented this space, but the reality is that their distribution reach and power online and offline (especially through gaming) means this could quickly become the de-facto standard worldwide for 2d bar codes – even though the QR code has been around since 2002 and already widely adopted in Japan, Korea, and even the Uk.

What are the advantages of the Microsoft Tag over other 2d codes?

Functionally there doesn’t appear to be anything unique. You can encode your own Microsoft tag to link to your facebook profile, blog, video or whatever you like – just like every other 2d code.

Having said that, the Microsft Tag is the first 2d code that works really well on my iphone. 

I’m not sure if that’s because the code reader is better equipped to handle low resolution cameras (like the one on my iphone), or if their 2d code is just easier to read & interpret due to fact that it may be easier to interpret colour over little black lines.

Getting my iphone setup was as easy as doing a search on the app store and downloading the free reader.

Check out their promotional video here. What do you think?