So I've been looking for a way to programmatically, create lots of Windows Live Barcode/QR tags.

(go on see if you can read the above tag!  (you'll need to print it, I've found) )

For those unfamiliar QR tags were briefly branded by Microsoft as Windows Live Barcode but has strangely disappeared.

What is Windows Live Barcode
Windows Live Barcode is a set of services that transfer information between various media (PCs, billboards, magazines etc.) and handsets via Quick Response Code (QR Code), a two-dimensional barcode. It provides a new method for people to exchange information and enjoy various online services on handsets. Windows Live Barcode aims to enhance handset utility and provide you with more convenience and flexibility.

What is QR Code
The QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode. It contains a considerably greater volume of information in both vertical and horizontal directions than typical barcode in one dimension.

I found a reader for most popular Windows Mobile devices over at

http://www.quickmark.com.tw/download.html

I'm well aware of other near field communication technologies existing like ShotCode,  but I thought I'd have a crack at doing my own QR code generator.

For those interested try it out.   From Visual Studio add a web reference to -

http://www.binaryrefinery.com/qrweb/webservice.asmx

The service lets you pass in a string, and returns a byte array containing the image.

The parameters are as follows -

public byte[] GetString(ref string status,string user,string password,string strtext)

User and password need to be both set to br0wncow! for now.

This service is experimental and shouldn't be used for a production grade app.   However  love to hear any feedback you have.   + you can also prove that my maths is OK/adequate for generating the codes.

In addition,  you can encode vcards,  vcals, web bookmarks etc.   which seems to work pretty nicely automatically popping up the appropriate app.  on successful scan.  (wicked).