Microsoft expanded the availability of Microsoft Tag application and released a Tag Reader for Google Android.

The new application is now available for download directly from the Android Market on Android phones by searching for 'Microsoft Tag'.

The software uses a handset's camera to turn it into a mobile barcode reader.

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.

"It?s important to give more people access to Tag because there?s huge demand for reliable mobile barcoding ? businesses and consumers are eager to find creative ways to use their phone and hyperlink the real world. We want to make this easier, so over the next few months we?re making changes to our website ? such as including many more ways to learn about and experience Tag and get inspired by how others are using Tag today ? to help better meet the needs of our Tag community," Benjamin Gauthey wrote at an MSDN blog.