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In This Issue
Microsoft Tags vs. QR Codes
QR Conundrums
Continuing Blogs from a Mad Man
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Last summer, we reported on QR codes when they were just emerging in the marketing arena. Over the past six months, those little square-shaped 2-D codes have been appearing on what seems like everything. From ads to posters in public restrooms, they're becoming pretty hard to miss.

In this issue of The Claymanite, we'll discuss the differences between Microsoft Tags and QR codes and why one may be better than the other.

We'll also give you some do's and don'ts when it comes to using codes or tags in marketing.


QRvTag
Microsoft Tags
vs. QR Codes


Last summer, the Claymanite reported on QR Codes and explained how they can be used on different marketing pieces. Just eight months later, these 2-D codes are all the rage. You've most likely seen the black-and-white 2-D codes, which are called QR Codes. You also have probably seen the more colorful looking codes, which are called Microsoft Tags.

So what's the difference? Is one better than the other?  In this article, we'll discuss the differences between QR Codes and Microsoft Tags. We'll let you decide which one you think is better.

Size Does Matter.
For marketing purposes, one of the biggest advantages of Microsoft Tags is the fact that they allow a much smaller size than QR Codes. As most of you know, when creating a new ad or literature piece, space can be an issue. Microsoft Tags can be sized much smaller than QR Codes and can still be scanned by most major smart phones.

Variety.
With a QR code you're locked into the same look. Microsoft's Tags allow for customization which lets a company integrate its brand into the tag. For example, if a company's colors were blue and white, that company could integrate those colors into the Microsoft Tag.

Reliability. QR codes have a wide range of apps for scanning codes, many of which do not work on every smart phone. Microsoft Tags, however, use one universal, reliable app called "Tag Reader" which works on almost every major smart phone brand.

Accuracy. Just like regular cameras, not all Smartphone cameras have the same capture quality. Poor capture quality can limit certain Smartphones from being able to scan QR codes. The technology that was put into the creation of Microsoft Tags allows an accurate scan even with a blurred shot, low-quality lens, or lack of camera auto-focus. 

Analytics. 
If your website has Google Analytics installed, you wil be able to receive information regarding how someone came to your site. In the case of QR codes, you would be able to tell if a visitor came via a mobile phone. Google Analytics would be the only way to view QR code scan results. Microsoft Tag has its own advanced analytics software that lets you know exactly how, when, and where your Tags are being used. It gives the exact date and location that can be viewed as a bar graph or a heat map. Google Analytics can also be used on sites that Microsoft Tags are directed to. This would allow you to have two analytics programs for one site.

From the get-go, it seemed as though QR codes were going to be the universal symbol for mobile scanning. Now, it's looking like Microsoft Tags are becoming more and more popular due to all of the features listed above.

Which symbol do you prefer? If you're interested in either platform for your next ad, literature piece, or booth graphic, let us know!  
jetblue
QR Conundrums
 
Jet Blue probably thought they had the perfect idea. Instead of a simple billboard ad, they placed a large display ad down in a New York City subway station, and the ad featured a huge, prominent QR code. What a great way to give people something to do while waiting for their trains, right?

Wrong.

As it happens, the QR code didn't work. Perhaps it was because smart phones don't work well underground. Perhaps it's because the photo goes right through the code. Whatever the reason, Jet Blue is now a poster child of a different kind - they're the poster child of how not to use QR codes.

What you can learn

As QR codes and Microsoft Tags continue to grow in popularity, the temptation will be to use them everywhere it's possible to plunk one down. But we need to caution you that even though this technology is really interesting, it does have limitations. Consider these potential conundrums:

� Don't use a QR code to direct people to a page that uses flash. If they have an iPhone, they won't be able to see the content.

� Don't use a QR code to direct people to a form that has to be filled out as this can be hard to do on a smart phone.

� Don't obscure the code with images from the brochure or ad as this can potentially make it harder to scan.

� Learn from Jet Blue's mistake - make sure that your QR code will appear in areas where smart phones will definitely have service.

The most important step with any technology is to make sure you test it before you send it out into the world. QR codes and Microsoft Tags are no exceptions. Make sure you avoid those QR conundrums.

Continuing Blogs from a Mad Man   
Larry's talking about QR Codes too! Read his blog to get his take.  
Sincerely,