Redmond, Washington -- There is no love lost between Microsoft, the company behind the Windows Mobile OS, and Google, which has not stopped the Windows-maker from creating an Android-based version of its Tag application, which uses the phone's camera to allow users to read hidden information in barcodes.

Microsoft's “Tag,” the free application that works with Google's Android phone uses a handset's camera to change it into a mobile barcode reader.

Microsoft Tag allows merchants to add a mobile barcode to promotional materials. Users with the Tag app then use their cell phone cameras to scan that barcode and gain access to additional information, including videos, Web sites, reviews, schedules, contact information, social networks, discounts, and more.

It is the first application Microsoft has made for the Android operating system - one of the key rivals to Windows Mobile. Android is among the last to get the Tag application which is available on Windows phones, the iPhone, Blackberry and Symbian handsets.