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!