Cool New Marketing Technologies: Caught and Served

Archive for the ‘Print & Direct Mail’ Category

2D Barcode Guide

By Greg Jones

As 2D Barcodes become commonplace in the United States, and as more people invest in smart phones, it surprises me that so few people know about, or interact with QR Codes and Microsoft Tags, even when the apps are free and painless to download and use. Just follow this quick guide and you will be on your way to an enlightened mobile life!

STEP 1: Download an App for Your Phone:

iPhone

If you have an iPhone, download the “Barcodes” app from Google to interact with QR Codes, and the “TagReader” app from Microsoft to interact with Microsoft Tags.

Android

If you have an Android phone, download the “Barcode Scanner” app from Google to interact with QR Codes, and the “TagReader” app from Microsoft to interact with Microsoft Tags.

BlackBerry

If you have a BlackBerry phone, download either “BeeTagg” or” i-nigma” (or do an app search for QR Code) to interact with QR Codes, and the “TagReader” app from Microsoft to interact with Microsoft Tags.
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Hallmark Augmented Reality Cards in time for Valentine’s Day

By Greg Jones

If you read my post about Home Depot’s Augmented Reality Gift Cards in time for the holidays then it should come as no surprise that Hallmark has launched its own Augmented Reality campaign in time for Valentine’s Day. The AR Valentine’s work exactly as one would expect: Open the card, visit the site, and experience an augmented reality version of the card you received. Why spend money embedding sound-bytes or pop-up elements into a card when you can go digital with more immersive results?

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Esquire Magazine Creates Augmented Reality Issue

By Greg Jones

Check out Esquire’s December issue which includes augmented reality content:

Robert Downey Jr. is featured on the cover of the issue, sitting on top of an AR tracker. When you access Esquire’s AR webpage and hold your magazine up to your webcam, you are graced with bonus material throughout the pages of the magazine. Magazines are a great place to debut augmented reality content because it links your print-centric audience to your online channel. When looking at subscription-based magazines, the sweeter the extras, the stronger the consumer connection.

What magazines do you think will follow suit? What kind of bonus material would your audience benefit from?

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