While we might call it a very rudimentary form of augmented reality application (it is not), Microsoft’s barcode scanning application is one very useful tool to have.
The app, simply called “Tag”- allows users to point their cameras at the barcode on retail products in order to look up the item online. It is a great way to instantly compare prices, check for availability and even product information.
This app makes trips to retails stores truly enjoyable, allowing users to manually check for stocks, compare prices and even read reviews of specific merchandise. Since it uses and accesses a database of barcodes, results of queries are usually exact. This makes the tag app a very reliable tool to have.
In terms of application, there is simply so much to do with being able to check up an item online instantly. Yes, it is much simpler to just Google the name of a specific product, but getting the barcode means that you will get precise results with any item on the market, regardless of its name.
Checking for prices is the most basic reason that makes this app very useful. If you feel that a certain retail item seems over priced, or may be cheaper in another store, the Tag app lets you check instantly. Even better, you might even be able to just order the item online –if it is available. Health conscious folks would want to do this with items that have difficult to understand labels and even check for potential substitutes.
It is nice to see Microsoft still developing applications for Google. Despite the apparent three way rivalry between MS, Google and Apple, apps like these are best enjoyed and utilized by everyone, regardless of which OS they use.
Read more about the Microsoft barcode reader app: “Tag” at Tech Radar.
Tags: Microsoft-Tag