Microsoft's Tag mobile barcode technology is coming out of beta and its basic use will be free of charge, Microsoft announced today. Tags can be scanned from a mobile phone for instant access to information, websites, videos, reviews, and more.

"Today we can imagine a world where any physical object can become a gateway to a world of digital content and engagement: Scan a product in a newspaper, get a personalized offer, buy it on the spot, or get directions to the store to buy it later. Or, scan a poster for a play, see a preview of the performance, invite friends, and buy tickets. This is what Tag can do for you, for your users, for your marketing campaign, and for your business. All you have to do is simply click on things in your physical world to make your world interactive on the spot," Microsoft says.

Tag was launched eighteen months ago. Since then more than 1 billion Tags have been printed by people and businesses all over the world, according to Microsoft.

The basic use of Tags will be free of charge. This means users will be able to generate and use Tags that link to Microsoft's standard scenarios, such as linking directly to webpages, and use the reader application at no cost. By simply going to Tag.Microsoft.com, users will be able to create Tags and deliver rich interactive experiences on mobile phones and track their Tags.

Microsoft also plan to offer the ability to create more powerful solutions through a variety of services, such as reporting and analytics and real-time location services.

Microsoft said that they have already seen a lot of enthusiasm for Tag among marketers, developers and consumers as well as a range of creative scenarios using Tag in industries as varied as publishing, advertising, retail, real estate, transit, automotive, consumer packaged goods, tourism and entertainment.

For additional information visit http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx