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Confucius: Microsoft to take 2D barcodes mainstream?

By: , IntoMobile
Friday, August 3rd, 2007 at 2:41 PM

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Mary Jo Foley sheds a hint of light on Microsoft Code Name Confucius:

A Windows Live service that is an offshoot of Windows Live Barcode. Confucius allows cell-phone users to send two-dimensional barcode information between cell phones or between cell phones and Web sites, allowing users to save keystrokes.

The service is live and you can try it out here and here. Neither links are Firefox friendly.

The debate on the usefulness of QR codes as they are called is ever raging. They are popular in Japan, but Americans have no clue what they are. I’d rather see NFC based communication personally, but I’m not in the industry of predicting the long term future. The fact that once you print a QR code it can never be changed is a major turn off for me.

Got a Nokia N Series device? You’ll be sure to care about this message:

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About The Author

Stefan Constantinescu

Stefan Constantinescu (@WhatTheBit on Twitter) has loved technology since as far back as he can remember. It started with computers, but in the past few years his passion has turned to mobile devices. As a mobile phone enthusiast who lives and breathes devices that connect to the internet, he knows he is not alone with this radical fascination of all things wireless. He is strongly opinionated and enjoys a good debate so leave comments in his posts and he’ll get back to you! Stefan began blogging as a hobby in the fall of 2006 and joined IntoMobile in the summer of 2007. Later he got a job at Nokia in March 2008, but as of June 2009 he has rejoined the IntoMobile team. He is currently based out of Helsinki, Finland.

  • P

    E90 got the application too, all 3+mp devices running S60 got it

  • src1138

    Ha ha! I believe the N series can scan Datamatrix codes as well. I just finished a 4.5 year stint in Tokyo, and QR is everywhere. I do think that they are becoming over-hyped in Europe and the US, especially by companies trying to proprietize their use or push their own tech. Although RFID or Bluetooth is sometimes a better channel for certain marketing efforts, when used effectively these can add value to any campaign.

  • Stan Wiechers

    “The debate on the usefulness of QR codes as they are called is ever raging. They are popular in Japan, but Americans have no clue what they are. I’d rather see NFC based communication personally, but I’m not in the industry of predicting the long term future. The fact that once you print a QR code it can never be changed is a major turn off for me.”

    RFID/NFC and Qr Code are typically used in different cases, it is much simpler to print a QR code on paper then embedding a RFID chip.

    You don’t need shortcodes or so to change an email, you can simply redirect your URL to a different URL as well. That allows alot of fexibility and you remain compatible with the standard QR code readers, that is what you want since your goal is probably to reach the widest audience.

    Bestm
    Stan