Augme let you create tags- either QR codes or datamatrix barcodes right now- that can be read using a mobile phone using barcode-reader software.

Yes, they can. The camera on your phone can be used to scan a barcode, as long as the phone has the software to interpret it.

Anything, really.  The obvious choice is a webpage.  This could include your Myspace or Facebook profiles.  We've also created a profile page that you can use.  You can put a phone number or email address on there if you like, so people can click to call or email you.

You could link to other types of file as well.  One cool idea is to link to an MP3 or MPEG/3GP file that you've uploaded to the web.  When someone scans a code that you've linked in this way, they will be given the option to download your file to their mobile phone.  This could be really cool for anyone who wants to get a song or video popular.

Technically speaking, you can link to anything, but there are some terms and conditions for use of this site, and we would appreciate it if you would read over them before use.

Well, actually we've created an upload area in the Account section. Here's the URL for that: http://augme.com/upload_media.php

It's free to use. Upload an MP3, image or video (preferably 3GP format, but we also accept MPEG) to your account. Now make a new tag, and start typing in the URL box. A drop-down list will appear that includes your profile page(s) and the media files you have uploaded. Select the media file that you want to point the tag at, and finish making the tag.

You can also point existing tags at your media file. Go to the manage section, select the tag you want to change, and point it at your media file in the same way.

With some readers such as the Nokia and Kaywa barcode readers, you have to turn the phone horizontal to get it to read a barcode. With other readers, you should hold the phone vertically.

Also, you are supposed to leave a small blank border around your code, so if you have printed the code onto something, just make sure there is a small border. The border doesn't have to be white. If you have printed the transparent code onto a light blue background, for example, keep the border light blue as well. There should be a good contrast between your code and the background, either way.

In Japan, there is a reader on most phones, and they are used as part of everyday life.  In Europe and the USA, mobile phones are still catching up technically.  At least one report says that a major carrier in Europe will be promoting mobile codes a lot in 2008. Obviously Nokia is behind the technology because many of their higher-end phones have a barcode reader built-in.

If it's not built into your mobile phone, just download a reader for free.  That way you'll be ahead of the curve

Yes, they are.  They are QR codes or datamatrix codes that encode a URL "x.augme.com/abc123".  They redirect to whatever site you specify upon creation.

If you decide to point visitors to a different site or file at a later date, you can do this easily from the control panel once you have logged-in.   There's no limit to the number of times you can do this, and you can do it as often as you like.

To us, it seems that these are best supported by mobile handset manufacturers, software manufacturers, and the general population.

These formats are open standards as well, which we support. 

Yes. We have provided up to three profiles for you to put phone numbers, email addresses and other important information into. You can send people who scan your tags to any of these profiles, and they will be able to call or email you if you make this information available to them.

If you prefer to receive emails without putting your email address out there, the profiles have a messaging function that lets people send you an email without ever seeing your email address.

That way you can create one profile for friends, one for the general public, and one for business. Of course, you can use them as you see fit.

One of our members is a superhero, and he/she (I can't reveal any information) uses one profile for his super alter-ego.