 | |
 Windows Live Barcode homepage | |
| Developer(s) | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows Mobile |
| Type | Barcode scanning, Contact card management |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | Archived official website at theWayback Machine (archive index) |
Windows Live Barcode (codenamedConfucius) was a part ofMicrosoft'sWindows Live services. It allowed users to transfer information between various media (PCs, billboards, magazines etc.) and handsets via Quick Response Code (QR Code), a two-dimensional matrixbarcode. It provided a method for people to exchange information and use various online services on handsets.[1]
Windows Live Barcode aimed to enhance mobile handset utility and provide users with more convenience and flexibility. It was to be integrated with theWindows Mobile platform.
The Windows Live Barcode service consists of two elements:
Barcodes generated are saved asPNG images.
Windows Live Barcode was shortly taken offline following its beta launch in October 2006. In August 2007, an offshoot of Windows Live Barcode namedWindows Live Confucius was launched. Windows Live Confucius, similar to Windows Live Barcode, allowed users to create QR Codes online from a web browser. In addition, Windows Live Confucius also allowed users to create QR Codes using an offline Windows application from their desktop, namedDesktop QR Code generator. Together with the launch of Desktop QR Code generator, theQR Reader client was released as well for users to view QR codes on theirWindows Mobile devices.[2]
TheDesktop QR Code generator can generate QR Code for any text,vCard, calendar and URL information. TheQR Reader client, although designed for Windows Mobile devices, has only been tested on theDopod and not any other Windows Mobile devices.
Microsoft Tag serves as successor to the concept of Windows Live Barcode.