What is Mobile Tagging?

Smartphones have revolutionized the manner in which consumers acquire and share information. Mobile tagging is one of the data-centric tools that emerged as part of this revolution. Tagging is a means of providing data to a portable computing device quickly, easily and with minimal human interaction. The device captures the tag via a camera, decodes it and then delivers the data to the user, either directly or by navigating to a URL.

Mobile Tags

Typically, tags are two-dimensional barcodes that contain encoded information. Most often, the tag encodes a URL, which is a very convenient way for a user to navigate to a business’ website. Barcodes can also contain images, and some businesses will include barcodes on flyers and store posters that allow consumers to transfer a digital version of the promotional material to their device easily.

QR Code

Users often refer to a mobile tag as a QR Code, but a QR code is just one type of barcode format. The other most prevalent format is Data Matrix. Both QR Code and Data Matrix are ISO-standardized. Recently, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Tag format, which they based on a new standard that they developed. The High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCB) supports colors and triangular shapes.

Tag Barcodes

Tag barcodes are the latest type of 2D barcode in use. Unlike traditional barcodes, tag barcodes link to data stored on a server. The benefit here is that the barcode doesn’t have to encode all of the relevant data, just enough to gain access to it. Tag barcodes are highly flexible, and they can provide a robust experience. Tag barcodes can be black and white or color, and can integrate custom images.

Commercial Tagging

Commercial is the most common form of tagging, especially in Western culture, where it’s not nearly as prevalent yet as it is in Asia. Online, websites use tagging to provide users with simplified downloads and navigation. Offline, marketers use mobile tagging for various forms of advertisement. In addition, producers have begun to place mobile tags on products. For instance, many food items now have 2D barcodes that contain additional nutritional information.

Private Tagging

Most barcode software has the ability to read and write barcodes. So mobile tagging is not just limited to the big businesses. In fact, people can use barcodes to transfer information between their devices easily, and by using an encryption key known by both parties, they can transfer encrypted data as well. Barcodes are even becoming commonplace in private sales, such as at flea markets and barcodes attached to the windows of used cars.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher specializing in mobile tag info. For readers who are interested in learning more about this subject, Peter recommends they check out ImMediaTag.com.