QR Code or Microsoft Tag?

So tonight instead of getting caught up on my blogging that I promised myself I would do, I found myself thumbing through the August 2010 issue of Cigar Aficionado. I don't normally read it but a co-worker gave me her copy that she got at a local shop.

While thumbing through it I noticed a couple of the new age bar codes. Not until tonight did I know they were called QR codes. So being the man of action that I passively like to be, I decided to do some research. Much to my surprise, my blan bar code scanner app on my Droid actually reads these.

So I tried 2. 1 didn't work(we won't bash you) but the other did. This one linked me to Alec Bradley's Facebook fanpage. I now "Like" Alec Bradley Cigars.

I want to go on record that I do love the new technologies that make print "smarter". The best thing about it is the people who say print is dead are the ones who rave about technologies like this.

Now to build up to my question for the techies out there. I am familiar with the Microsoft Tag. I was introduced to it a few months ago and my company actually launched it this month into our print publication to bring the tech savvy people into our mobile site from the front cover of our magazine. I personally have been using this technology for a couple of months for my Meetup Group - The Cigar Aficionados of Central Florida.

Both technologies seem to do the same thing, but I wonder if there is an advantage to either of them. I use them on promotional ideas for my Meetup group: flyers, postcards, business cards,etc. I've seen both in magazines. They both can be personalized with a graphic, which makes them awesome. So is there an advantage to one over the other or is this going to be another Apple vs Microsoft, Pepsi vs Coke, Playstation vs Xbox debate?

So anyone that has a decent idea on the answer, comment, tweet, or email me.

Thanks!!