Microsoft Uses QTags For LIVE Promotion And Raises A Question

I think this is the first text message promotional campaign I have seen for Microsoft.

Something to ponder here. Why is Microsoft using another shortcode (Qtags) to promote their major mobile application?

Microsoft is using qtags text keywords to satisfy their cravings for awareness & use of their LIVE Search for mobile phones.

The awareness campaign includes radio spots in target cities which make it easy for the listener to connect to more information about the service, right away, in the moment of interest.


text 'live' to 78247 [and get what you want, when you want, right where you are....]


In a short time, Qtags has compiled an extensive list of advertisers using qtags for their mobile marketing campaign. The two big SMS players I see are 4INFO and Qtags. Media conglomerate Gannett, took a stake in 4INFO, who could be courting Qtags?

Microsoft's Windows Live Barcode Site Back Up

Roger at All About Mobile Life spots the reappearance of Microsoft's Windows Live Barcode

Here's how Microsoft is building the platform for Physical World Connection:

Besides Microsoft's new High Capacity Color Barcode for DVDs and their barcode scanning Advanced User Resource Annotation AURA

They have introduced or are working on a:
speech recogntion browser
1d barcode scanner
2d barcode scanner
mobile image recognition engine and an
RFID browser

Which Physical World Connection company does Microsoft's Don Dodge pick as a company to watch in 2007?

Scanbuy

Why? Because their barcode scanning platform is getting embedded on the major handsets, they are landing wireless carriers AND they have an exclusive agreement with the world's largest consumer good packaging company, DuPont.

DuPont will start placing 2d codes on various consumer goods. These can include soda bottles, cereal boxes, DVD covers, major fast-food chain item wrappers etc.

Between Microsoft offering consumers/corporations the ability to create their own 2d codes and Dupont placing 2d codes on consumer goods (in addition to the 1d codes already there), this combination will offer plenty of physical objects to be linked to the Internet with mobile marketing campaigns.

What should Google do now?

Will Microsoft And Sprint Implement Physical World Connection?

The physical world connection was disrupted a couple weeks ago when Microsoft launched their Windows Live Barcode

This application allows users to create their own 2d code (QR code)/physical world hyperlink, and connect physical items to a specific website using a camera phone.

Teaming up with Sprint for mobile search today also creates some interesting opportunities for their mobile marketing service.

I see Microsoft introducing a 2d code creating application for advertisers shortly. Instead of searching using a mobile phone, users will be able to "find" and link to targeted information by scanning an advertiser's 2d code.

2d codes become the new "keywords" and advertisers (and consumers) can create their own 2d codes (physical world hyperlinks) and use them on all forms of advertising/physical items.

How long before Microsoft offers a "Pay-Per-Link" advertising service for mobile marketing? Mister Softee could start charging advertisers a fee for their own 2d code, or charge on a "pay-per-link" basis.

Microsoft's Windows Live Barcode Disrupts PWC Space

This is probably one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, news stories for the physical world connection industry.

Companies in the physical world connection space should take this launch seriously.
Microsoft is saying, "we want to be the key player in the 2d code scanning space".

It is my opinion, that Google must introduce a 2d code scanning application and 2d creation application quickly to keep their lead.

2d codes will be more valuable than keywords in the physical world.


From MS Tech Today Windows Live Barcode launches

“Windows Live Barcode is a set of services that transfer information between various media (PCs, billboards, magazines etc.) and handsets via Quick Response Code (QR Code), a two-dimensional barcode.

Install decoder software on handsets and capture QR Code via a built-in camera.

The QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode. It contains a considerably greater volume of information in both vertical and horizontal directions than typical barcode in one dimension

It provides a new method for people to exchange information and enjoy various online services on handsets. Windows Live Barcode aims to enhance handset utility and provide you with more convenience and flexibility.”


Find it time consuming to input long phrases on a handset's tiny keyboard? Want to make full use of your handset? Try Windows Live Barcode. Windows Live Barcode is a new way to avoid repetitive input, store more information, and enjoy better handset services within seconds

Take the tour

How are companies that are relying on 2d code scanning affected?



p.s. There's a special message in that 2d code I created for the people who should take Microsoft's announcement seriously.