USA TODAY Announces 2D Barcodes in Print Edition
The 2D barcode in conjunction with the smartphone is proving to be not just an information gateway, but a portal capable of connecting the physical with the digital. We're seeing more and more companies utilize 2D barcodes to connect their physical and digital platforms. Not only does this expand the capabilities of print, for example, it also delivers a dose of interactivity to today's participation hungry consumer.
The latest print megastar to make a commitment to interactivity is USA TODAY. The company just announced that each print section of the paper will contain at least one Microsoft Tag, Microsoft's proprietary and colorful version of a 2D barcode. Readers can go to http://gettag.mobi on their mobile devices to download the free Microsoft Tag reader application.
Readers can scan the Tag with their mobile device for direct access to videos and online content. The Tags will provide readers with access to USA TODAY's daily photo galleries and the latest financial news and sports scores, as well as other video and digital features.
"This initiative is part of our goal to bring together our digital and print platforms to provide our readers easier access to special features from the newspaper. We are proud to be one of the first U.S. newspapers to offer these daily to readers as well as to advertisers who can also take advantage of this new feature," said Dave Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY.
As Hunke points out above, the reader is not the only one who will benefit from the Tags. Introducing 2D barcodes into a print publication also expands advertising opportunities, allowing advertisers to connect with the readership on a level deeper than traditional print advertising.
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